This week two of Stony Brook University's own faced off in the 2025 World Lacrosse Men’s U20 Championship.
Head coach Anthony Gilardi, who was named coach of Team USA faced off against Brendan Marino, from Team Canada.
Gilardi and Team USA took down Canada in a hotly contested battle, winning 7-6.
Team USA lead 3-1 after one and 6-3 heading into the 3rd but had to stave off a furious ending by Team Canada to secure the pool win. Team USA won the face off battle, had just one turnover, while causing three and had 16 shots on goal to Canada's 13.
Stony Brook men's lacrosse head coach Anthony Gilardi was named to the coaching staff of the U.S. Men's U20 National Team. The team is playing in Seogwipo, South Korea. When he was chosen Gilardi said, "There is no higher honor than representing your country. I am really looking forward to the opportunity to wear the red, white and blue with a great coaching staff."
Gilardi has been at the helm at Stony Brook for years and guided the Seawolves to the CAA Championship Game in 2023, the squad's inaugural season as a member of the league.
Gilardi previously served as an assistant coach at the United States Naval Academy, Ohio State and Denison. He helped Navy and Ohio State reach the NCAA Tournament during his time as an assistant.
The United States is aiming for a 10th consecutive world championship. The U.S. has won the gold medal in each of the previous nine versions of this event, which has been played at U19 and U21 over that span.
The Canadian rivalry has been a tough one for Team USA, despite their successes. In 2012 in Finland, the U.S. lost pool play games to both Canada and the Iroquois before rallying to beat both in the medal round. In 2016, the U.S. trailed host Canada 8-2 at the half before rallying for a wild 13-12 victory. In 2022, the U.S. led by just a goal with over two minutes to play before edging Canada 12-10 in Ireland.
Canada has won the silver medal at the last six championships and has medaled in all nine championships with seven silver medals and two bronze.