England secured a dramatic 7-6 one-goal victory over a tough Mexico team to secure a place in the final eight at the 2025 World Lacrosse Men’s U20 Championship on Wednesday.
An unbelievable last second save from point blank range by goalie Jackson Davies sealed the win in a game that England were leading throughout.
The young lions will now take on an old and familiar foe in the USA tomorrow in their quarter-final match for a chance to be top four in the world.
As seems to be the theme in games involving England at this Championship, the first quarter was a slow burner but they got themselves 2-1 ahead after seven minutes thanks to goals from Ellis Baythorpe and Archie Gold.
A fairly serious shoulder injury to face-off man Leo Baythorpe cut his time on the field short but seemed to spur on his teammates who raced into a 4-1 lead before the end of the quarter.
An unusual goalless second quarter followed with Mexico’s goalie pulling off some outstanding saves to keep a determined England side at bay.
The goals trickled through in the third with two from Mexico through Ezekiel Peraza and Henry Alvarado and one for England from long-pole Alex Cartwright setting up a tense finale with the score at 6-3.
Mason Spencer got his name on the scoresheet for the first time this tournament five minutes into the fourth but that was to be it for England in terms of goals.
Three quick-fire strikes from the opposition gave the excited fans a one-goal game with Mexico pushing for an equaliser with less than three minutes to go.
Up stepped the outstanding Davies in the England goal who made two improbable saves with seconds on the clock to ensure his side’s victory and progression to the quarter-finals.
For more information about the match and the Championship, click HERE.
England 7-6 Mexico (4-1, 0-0, 2-2, 1-3)
England scorers | Archie Gold (1G, 4A), Ellis Baythorpe (2G, 1A), Drew Wilkinson (2G), Alex Cartwright (1G), Mason Spencer (1G).
Face-off win % | 75% (12/16), Leo Baythorpe 2, George Smith 10.
Save % | 62.5% (10/16).
