UTICA, N.Y. — The United States dominated from the beginning in a 24-6 victory over Ireland in the quarterfinal round of the World Lacrosse Men’s Box Championship. The U.S. will meet the Haudenosaunee, a 24-6 victor over Israel in its quarterfinal game, in the semifinals on Friday night at 7 p.m. on ESPN+.
The first seven goals of the game were scored by seven different players and the U.S. led 10-0 after the first quarter and 20-1 at halftime before cruising home to the victory.
C.J. Kirst led the U.S. with four goals and Jack Hannah added three. Mac O’Keefe had a team-high nine points on two goals and seven assists.
Drew Hutchison went the distance for the U.S. in goal, making 21 saves to earn his second win of the tournament. He also had an assist on a long outlet pass to a streaking Ethan O’Connor for a U.S. goal.
This will be the third straight time that the U.S. and the Haudenosaunee have met in the semifinal round of the men’s box championship. The U.S. beat the Haudenosaunee, 16-9, on the opening night of this year’s tournament – its first win ever over the Haudenosaunee in this event.
To reach the championship game for the first time in the event’s history, the U.S. will have to beat the Haudenosaunee again. The U.S. has won the bronze at each of the previous five world championships.
