By Mark J. Bartlett

June 28, 2023- Lace up your cleats and check your shooting strings folks, because the wild ride that is the 2023 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship just got a bit more wild. As the dust settled on day eight, the top four seeds emerged victorious, leaving no doubt that they are the cream of the crop. And thus, the stage is now set for the finale of what may have been the greatest field lacrosse tournament in the history of the game.

The dedicated field crew prepares the nets for the barrage of offensive firepower that was to come!

In a clash that shattered expectations, the Haudenosaunee warriors put an end to Japan’s stunning rampage, claiming a hard-fought 10-5 triumph. It was a battle for the ages, a collision of cultures, and the Haudenosaunee tribe emerged as the conquerors, leaving Japan to lick their wounds and contemplate what could have been. For those who witnessed this spectacle in person, it was true to the spirit of the final song that boomed across the field from the stadium speakers as the clock hit zero: “walking on sunshine.”

the Team USA Photo Booth was a hotspot on the USD concourse

Meanwhile, the land Down Under became a thunderous battlefield as Australia clashed once again with their old nemesis, England. The rivalry ignited like wildfire, with sticks clashing, bodies colliding, and passions running high. In the end, Australia’s competitors stood tall, claiming a decisive 10-5 victory over the Brits. Another chapter written in their storied history, another victory etched in their legacy.

TEAM USA’s sidelines was brimming with excitement for the entire game

And now…for the heavyweights! Canada and the United States, the titans of the lacrosse world, made their long-awaited return to the stage, and oh boy, did they make an entrance! These powerhouses unleashed their fury, dominating their opponents with an iron fist. They didn’t just win, they decimated. Double-digit margins, folks. It was an absolute spectacle, a display of skill, speed, and sheer determination.

throngs of young fans flooded into the autograph area to capture the signatures of their favorite players

And now, as we move into day nine, we find ourselves on the precipice of pure lacrosse nirvana. The semifinals are upon us, and they promise to be nothing short of monumental. The stage is set, the atmosphere electric, as the four most legendary teams in the men’s game prepare to clash. This is the moment we’ve been waiting for, the convergence of greatness which will settle this thing.

The SDSU press box was a casual, welcoming area ….with lots of food and drink!

For those who cannot witness this spectacle, tune in to ESPN2 in the United States or TSN in Canada. So grab your popcorn, share some with the Thompson Brothers if you can, fasten your seatbelts, and get ready for an unforgettable ride. The lacrosse gods have spoken, and their message is clear: Let the games begin….it is time to crown a NEW champion!