Opening night of the Israel Premier Lacrosse League is upon us, with Ashkelon LC and Haifa LC facing off at 7pm at Ashdod Sport Club.
With just one practice under their belt for each team, familiarity will be an issue for both sides; as will depth, as both teams have slim rosters and thus, limited substitutes.
Nobody knows exactly what to expect, but, with a good chunk of Haifa’s players living in Ashdod this summer, the home crowd should be on their side come Monday night.
Fans are encouraged to come early (6:30pm) to watch Ashkelon and Haifa’s U-19 Academy teams faceoff to open their 2015 summer season.
Players to Watch
Ashkelon LC
Mitch Goldberg, Richmond – The Spiders all-time leading scorer is Ashkelon’s strongest offensive weapon. If Haifa can contain Goldberg, they’ll likely win Monday’s opener.
Benjamin Holback, Missouri Valley – Holback was unstoppable on the Birthright tour in the faceoff X; Haifa doesn’t have an answer for him.
Juri Elonen, LTU LC – On loan from his club in Finland, Elonen has strong international experience starting in goal for the Finns at the 2012 FIL U-19 World Championship.
Haifa LC
Nate Archer, Cornell – Archer started heating up towards the end of the Birthright tour; look for Haifa’s offense to flow through his stick.
Jan Rydzak, Kosynierzy Wrocław LC – Rydzak led the Poland men’s national team in scoring with 16 points at the 2014 World Championships in Denver.
Ted Bergman, Wesleyan – Bergman made 15 saves for Team Israel on Wednesday against the Birthright All-Stars. Bergman has the ability to steal a game for his team on any night.
Prediction:
Monday’s opener will be a close one, but, with slightly more depth, Ashkelon will prevail on opening night.
For more game info including roster and location Click Here