PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC – Host Czech Republic scored four straight goals to defeat Israel, 7-3, in the final of the first-ever U-19 European Box Lacrosse Challenge held at TJ Malešice on Sunday.
The two teams were deadlocked at 3-3 deep into the second half of the final, but the Czechs’ held the blue-and-white scoreless for the final 21-plus minutes and rattled four straight goals to secure the win on home soil.
National team regulars Chris Friedman (two goals) and Matt Flapan (one goal, one assist), competing under age dispensations, led Israel offensively in the final.
The Israelis can be proud of the result after suffering a 17-3 loss to the same team to open the tournament on Thursday.
Israel had a pair of big wins over the weekend to get to the final — Ori Bar David scored eight goals to power Israel past Poland, 14-2, on Saturday night. Ron Bentura also chipped in two goals and two assists, while Lidor Ashtamkar and Bar Yahalom added singles.
Bar David also scored three times in Israel’s 9-7 win over the “Czech B” squad, while Ashtamkar added two goals.
Tournament Results
Thu., Aug 24 – Czech Republic 17, Israel 3
Fri., Aug 25 – Israel 9, Czech B 7
Sat., Aug 26 – Israel 14, Poland 2
Sun., Aug 27 – Czech Republic 7, Israel 3
Caps (x4) – Lidor Ashtamkar, Ori Bar David, Harel Ben Harush, Ron Bentura, Adi Comarov, Matan Eden, Matt Flapan, Chris Friedman, Jacob Silberlicht, Bar Yahalom