LIMERICK, Ireland — Cole Kirst scanned the field in front of the cage, lurking at X and waiting for a U.S. cutter to spring open against the Australian defense.

After a few seconds, a familiar face found space on the left side of the crease. Kirst dodged to the left of the crease, and flicked a pass to his brother, CJ, who beat Australian goalie Tristan Wolfe for his third goal of the night and cement a 17-2 win over Australia in the team’s World Lacrosse Men’s U21 Championship pool play finale Monday.

“I know we both enjoyed celebrating together,” CJ Kirst said. “I gave him a big hug and jumped with him.”

The Kirst-to-Kirst connection was built in the backyards of Bernardsville, N.J., where two of the five lacrosse-playing brothers worked on passing and shooting on their brothers, Colin and Caden (both goalies).

Now members of the U.S. U21 team, these Kirsts are relishing the opportunity to battle for gold together.

“It sent chills down my body,” Cole Kirst said of the goal. “We’ve had so many catches in the backyard, so to finally connect for one at the end there was special.”

Cole and CJ Kirst were key in the U.S.’s big win over Australia, combining for six goals and five assists in a game delayed twice due to inclement weather in the area. With the win, the U.S. finished pool play 4-0 and will be the No. 1 seed in the quarterfinals Wednesday.

“Everyone's getting used to the role on our team and we’re ready for what's to come on Wednesday,” Cole Kirst said. “We’re just going to continue to prepare and hang out with each other and build on what's to come.”

The 17 goals came in a variety of ways, showcasing just how many threats the U.S. possesses. The ball movement on offense was crisp throughout the game, and the U.S. cashed in on multiple occasions through the transition game and off the faceoff.

Jackson Bonitz, seldom an offensive threat playing close defense, gave fans a glimpse at his skill immediately after the opening faceoff. Alec Stathakis (14-for-18) flicked the ball toward the Australia cage and Bonitz, coming from the wing, scooped up the loose ball, sprinted up field and fired home a bouncer just seven seconds into the game.

The U.S. bench erupted in celebration of one of the quickest goals of the tournament.

“I said, ‘Let’s go’ like five times. Cole Kirst was up in my face hyping me up,” Bonitz said. “I was able to get that angle and be able to make a play. It happened in the blink of an eye. That was fast. It’s a tribute to our wing unit and how much better it has gotten over these past few days.”

The Navy defenseman was key in the U.S. transition game and picked up three ground balls, adding in multiple caused turnovers. One of the stalwarts of the U.S. defense is rounding into form as the knockout stages approach.

Alex Slusher, who carried the flag onto the field for the first pre-game warm-up, stepped up both on man-up opportunities and on the ride. He stripped Australia goalie Wolfe early in the third quarter and sent a pass to Cole Kirst, who then fed Slusher for the goal.

As for Stathakis, he made it two straight games with a faceoff-to-cage goal — scoring with 23 seconds left in the first quarter — highlighting another strong performance at the stripe.

Most of the offensive output, though, came off the stick of Cole Kirst, who played the role of quarterback for the U.S. offense on Monday. The co-captain finished with three goals and three assists and earned the game ball in the U.S. team huddle following praise from coach Nick Myers.

“It’s fun to watch you play. You play the game the right way. You bring a lot of energy,” Myers said. “You bring out the best in others and it’s inspiring. He’s at the helm of the offense and controlled that and we’re feeding off that.”

Kirst’s vision has helped connect a U.S. offense and generate plenty of top-notch scoring opportunities. However, he’ll never forget the connections he made with his brother.

Standing at the fence near Field 1 at the University of Limerick was Michelle Kirst, who has seen her sons play against each other in the NCAA tournament first round (Cole vs. Colin) and the final four (Colin vs. CJ). She watched her sons play together, for once, representing the U.S. and battling for a U21 gold medal.

“Our brothers are playing professionally, and I think this might be the coolest event she’s had the chance to be a part of,” CJ Kirst joked.