When the U20 roster was announced last month, it was evident an experienced defense could become the backbone of the team. That held up in a frenzied fourth quarter against Canada.

The United States survived a penalty-riddled fourth quarter thanks to a last-second save by goalie Patrick Jameison, holding on to defeat rival Canada 7-6 in South Korea.

The U.S., which has won each of the previous nine World Lacrosse junior men’s field championships, begins play against rival Canada.