Japan put on a show in its first game of the 2025 World Lacrosse Men’s U20 Championship, dazzling under the lights at Gongcheonpo Training Center with a 18-5 win over the Netherlands.
Japan posted the highest score of the opening day, and the returning fifth place finishers from the 2022 edition of the event set the tone as one of the teams to watch in Korea.
Japan brought a ferocious intensity to the game and outshot the Netherlands 69-17 with a high-volume attack over 60 minutes of action. The Japanese were aided by a superb showing on draw controls, winning 22 of 24 thanks to Kyle Hata.
The attacking output was spread among eight different goalscorers, led by Rentaro Okuyama, who racked up five goals and an assist for the highest individual point total of the day. Jinichiro Sato supported with four points.
Gus von Metzsch made 19 saves for the Netherlands and Callum Witter recorded three points.
Japan cruised to the top spot in Pool B with a 1-0 record and will face Hong Kong on Sunday. The Netherlands will face Hong Kong on Monday.
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