The stakes are high for a top-seeded Cornell to face No. 2 Maryland in the 2025 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship. The matchup for Monday, May 26 at 1 p.m. ET, Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, will be a rematch of the 2022 title game between two lacrosse powers. As both sides look to claim another chapter in their storied legacies, there is sure to be drama, intensity, and high-end lacrosse on Memorial Day.
Cornell Avenge Earlier Loss to Reach Final
Cornell punched its ticket to the title game with an impressive 11-9 semifinal win over Penn State. The Big Red, who entered the game 16-1, got off to a slow start offensively, not scoring until the final minute of the first quarter. They trailed 5-4 at halftime, but a dominant 6-1 third quarter swung the momentum in their favor.
The win was especially meaningful for Cornell as it avenged its only loss of the season—, reviously handed to them by Penn State. Despite Tewaaraton Award finalist CJ Kirst being held without a point for the first time in his college career, the Big Red got standout performances from others. Michael Long led the way with two goals and three assists, while Hugh Kelleher added three goals and an assist, including the game-sealing goal with 5:43 left.
Defensively, Cornell stood strong in the fourth quarter, keeping Penn State from completing a comeback. Liam Matthews scored four goals for the Nittany Lions, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Cornell’s depth and second-half surge.
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Maryland Cruises Past Syracuse in Second Semifinal
Syracuse 14 8 — Maryland dominated in the second semifinal, scoring timely and cashing in on a lockdown defensive effort. But the Terrapins trailed 1-0 after a goal in the first minute before reeling off an 8-1 run to take control. Syracuse struggled to get good shots for most of the game, and it was Minnesota’s aggressive defense that smothered the Orange offense.
Four goals and an assist were turned in by Eric Spanos for the Terps. Maryland goalkeeper and All-American pick Logan McNaney, a veteran of the previous Terrapins championship runs, put on a second-half masterpiece of 14 saves to keep Syracuse at bay. The praise didn’t stop there, as defender Will Schaller earned praise for holding Syracuse’s top scorer, Joey Spallina, to just one assist.
John Tillman’s team secured its fourth appearance in the title game in the last five seasons with the Maryland semifinal win. The Terps are seeking their third title during Tillman’s three years and fifth overall.
A Rematch with History
Cornell fans get to see a rematch of this year’s final on a national championship — a match since 2022, the last time these two squads played, in which Maryland eked out a 9-7 victory in a close one. McNaney drew the other half of that game and was named tournament Most Outstanding Player after his play of 17 saves. Now, some of the keys to that 2022 game, McNaney and several core defenders, have come back hungry to finish off their collegiate careers with another ring.
Meanwhile, Cornell is in pursuit of a first national title since 1977. In four full seasons, he has helped lead the team to two title game appearances and has guided the Ivy League’s first national champions in 2016 in back to back semis in 2017.
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What’s at Stake
In addition to being a trophy for both teams, the 2025 title game is about so much more. It’s about legacy. It’s the final chance for Maryland to cement its dynasty of recent times and for Cornell to end a season of redemption after missing out in 2022.
Should be a physical, emotional, fast-paced championship finale with both teams displaying elite defense, skilled midfielders, and battle-tested leaders, and the game is sure to be broadcast live on ESPN.
