Israel pulled off an exciting 9-8 comeback win against the host Korea in the 13th place game at the 2025 World Lacrosse Men’s U20 Championship on Sunday in Seogwipo.
Israel trailed 4-0 early, and clawed back with six goals in the third quarter, tying the game at 7-7 with five minutes left in the frame and even leading 8-7.
The two teams were tied at 8-8 into the final frame, and Max Youssefnia scored the go-ahead goal with 14 minutes to play to complete his hat trick.
The final 14 minutes were a frantic, physical affair, with Korea mustering three shots and two on target, but goalkeeper Eyvatar Bahar was up to the task.
In the final minute Korea had two possessions to tie the game, and on the second tried a close range effort only to be called for a crease violation.
Israel finished in 13th place in its third appearance in the event, finishing with four wins in a row.
Korea’s 14th place finish was a two spot improvement from 2022.
Korea outshot Israel significantly on the afternoon by a 43 to 29 margin, but Israel’s defense and goalkeeping held Korea to just a 14% overall shooting percentage. Bahar made 14 saves at a 64% clip on shots on goal.
Israel had the marginally better day from its leading attackers with three points from Youssefnia and a big four-point showing from Ron Mittler. Defenseman Ethan Dicturel provided an unexpected jolt on his forays forward with a goal and an assist. With normal face-off man Jacob Coneh unavailable, Dicturel also helped Israel go about even on face-offs.
Ryan Baik and Tanner Hahm did their best to get Korea over the finish line, but were kept relatively in check with three points for Baik and two goals for Hahm. Jae-Min Lim added two goals.
Through Israel’s six games, Youseffnia led the sqaud with 18 points, followed by 16 for Gary Felsher. Bahar finished with 49 saves, the fifth most in the tournament at the conclusion of his game.
Hahm led Korea with 18 points in five games, and Baik had 13. Goalkeeper JJ Kim [Saeng Ryo] was one of the stories of the tournament, making 69 saves at a 59% clip, averaging 14 saves per game.
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