Mexico bounced back from its play-in heartbreaker to pull out a narrow 8-6 win over the Netherlands in placement play on Thursday at the 2025 World Lacrosse Men’s U20 Championship in Korea.
The game was finely poised throughout, and the Netherlands got within one late in the third quarter. But Mexico edged the final quarter by a 2-1 scoreline with massive goals from Ezekiel Peraza to hang on for a two-goal win.
The teams were close in nearly all facets, but Mexico dominated the face-offs with 16 of 19 won, and a marginally better shooting night, keyed by Peraza.
Mexico advanced in placement play to the ninth place game on Saturday at 7:10 p.m. against the winner of Ireland vs. Germany.
The Netherlands plays the loser of that game for 11th place on Saturday at 4:10 p.m.
Weston Guerra made seven saves for Mexico and Ricardo Tinocco excelled on face-offs.
Peraza’s heroics helped deliver the win for Mexico with four goals and two assists for goal involvements on all but two of Mexico’s goals. Luca DiCarlo also stepped up with four assists.
Gus von Metzch was excellent in defeat with 10 saves for the Netherlands. Callum Witter had a hat trick.
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