Months of preparation – tryouts, training camps, off-the-field work – have led to this moment, the U.S. Men’s U20 National Team heading to South Korea to begin the 2025 World Lacrosse Men’s U20 Championship.
Episode five of Behind the Shield, a seven-part documentary on the U.S. Men’s 20 team, opens with a staging camp in San Diego before the team heads to Jeju Island – the land of waterfalls.
For most, it’s their first trip ever to Korea. For some, it’s their first time leaving the country. It’s a dual experience in experiencing a new culture while also being immersed fully with their teammates playing the sport they love.
Ryan McClay, a former gold-medal winner for the U.S. senior team and an assistant coach for the U20 team, tells the team, “This is our family for the next two weeks.”
Connor Buczek, also a former gold-medal winner turned assistant coach, says, “It’s time to flip the switch.”
The flip is switched in a big way with a showdown against rival Canada in the opening game. For the vast majority of this team, it’s their first introduction into the U.S. – Canada rivalry, which is simply the best in international lacrosse right now.
The opening game delivered as the rivalry always seems to – coming down to the wire as the teams give a preview of the expected world championship game.
Episode six of Behind the Shield drops on Thursday, Feb. 26 at noon (EST) on the USA Lacrosse YouTube channel. New episodes drop every Monday and Thursday.
