LANGLEY, British Columbia — Canada entered this year’s World Indoor Lacrosse Championship as a four-time champion and an overwhelming favorite to win the title again. The each of the previous world championships, the Iroquois posed a test in the gold medal match, but the Canadians prevailed.

This time around, the champions had to deal with the pressure of playing on home soil. Although the Iroquois brought a large contingent, the crowd was partisan toward the Canadian national team.

None of it mattered. The Canadian was on a mission for gold, and proved once again why it rules the box lacrosse game.

Dane Dobbie had three goals and seven assists, and teammate Curtis Dickson had five goals and two assists, leading the way to a dominant 19-12 win over the Iroquois Nationals on Saturday at Langley Events Centre.

It was a flawless performance that featured more than a few highlights, but ultimately, the Canadian offense was too quick, too creative and precise for the Iroquois defense, and any defense on Earth, to shut down.

“The expectations were big, especially playing on home soil, especially myself, growing up 10 minutes down the road,” said Dickson, of nearby Port Coquitlam. “This is my third gold medal on the world stage, but it is extra special to be able to do it in my own backyard.”

Another world title for the Canadian national team, which completed another world championship unbeaten.

“It is a great feeling winning it on home soil and obviously you have a lot of family members here to share it with,” coach Glenn Clark. “And the truth and the reality is, these are the people who have supported you to get to this place, so it means a lot to have that opportunity.”

Dobbie and Dickson each chipped in two goals in an up-and-down first quarter. The Iroquois scored first, but three goals in tow minutes helped give the Canadians the 6-5 lead after 15 minutes.

Canada continued to pressure the Iroquois on the offensive end throughout the second quarter, pushing its lead to 10-6 by halftime. Dickson ignited the crowd with a highlight-worthy diving goal to put the home team up 8-5 early in the quarter.

The fireworks continued into the second half, as Canada scored four of the first five goals out of the break.

The goal of the night came midway through the third quarter, when Dhane Smith entered the zone and passed it to Ben McIntosh, who flicked it behind-the-back to Dane Dobbie at the crease, who then passed it to Mark Matthews for the five-hole goal.

Perfection. @CanadaLacrosse dominates @IrqLax 19-12 to win @WILC2019. pic.twitter.com/nvtqhjT1Kp

— US Lacrosse Magazine (@USLacrosseMag) September 29, 2019

The Iroquois scored four fourth-quarter goals, but each time the Canadian team found an answer. Plus, goalie Mike Poulin’s 42 saves helped keep the lead intact.

In the end, Canada proved to be a machine that couldn’t be slowed in this year’s world championship.

Zed Williams led the way with five goals and an assist. Tournament MVP Cody Jamieson finished with a goal and three assists. Lyle Thompson, who missed almost the entirety of the tournament with a foot injury, played in the final with a noticeable limp and still tallied a goal and two assists.