Mexico opened the 2025 World Lacrosse Men’s U20 Championship with an impressive 12-4 win over China in Seogwipo, Korea.
Mexico is appearing for the championship for the first time since 2016 and bagged a debut win in Korea over China, who finished 17th in its last appearance in 2022.
“Right now, given everything that’s going on around the globe, this isn’t just for our teams, it’s for our parents, our countrymen and the entire país de México,” said Mexico head coach Jake Padilla. “To beat China, such an accredited team, that represents all the hard work that we put into making this a possible win.”
With the win in the very first game of the championship, Mexico improved to 1-0 in Pool D, behind a strong ball control effort despite China’s edge on face-offs.
China won 14 of 18 face-offs thanks the efforts of Walter Zhao, but Mexico dominated possessions on the day overall outshot China 48-24.
Mexico also shot 25% compared to 16% for China, buoyed by better finishing from its attacking cast and a strong day in net from Weston Guerra, who posted 12 saves at a 75% clip.
Ezekiel Peraza was Mexico’s most dangerous man with four goals and two assists, and Wyatt Guerra added four points. Jordan Davenport and Thomas Agents also recorded multi-goal efforts.
Cody Lam scored the very first goal of the tournament for China in the first quarter and finished with a hat trick. Zhao added two assists.
Both teams are back in action on Sunday with Mexico facing Israel and China facing Ireland.
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