BUDAPEST, HUNGARY — The Israel men’s national team fell one goal short of a European Championship, as powerhouse England edged the blue-and-white, 7-6, in the Gold Medal Match of the 2016 ELF European Lacrosse Championships.
Israel led 3-2 at halftime and 4-3 late in the third quarter before England came to life, rallying for four straight goals to take a commanding 7-4 advantage in the final frame.
The Israelis fought back, as Caleb Brodie and Kyle Bergman scored back-to-back goals in the final two minutes to cut the deficit to 7-6. However, Israel was unable to score on the unsuing possession, and the English stalled out the final minute to hold on and successfully defend their European Championship.
Bergman led Israel (7-1) with two goals, while Brodie, Alex Siegel, Ian Kadish and Noah Miller chipped in with singles. Daniel Leventhal and Matthew Cherry each added an assist.
Joshua Roden-Lowe led England (8-0) with two goals. William Baxter (80:00, 20 saves, 6 GA) was named MVP of the 2016 European Championships following his standout game between the pipes for England.
Eric Fischer (80:00, 18 saves, 7 GA) was dealt the loss in net for Israel.
The blue-and-white received Silver Medals following the match; despite the loss, Israel earned its first medal in program history.
Caps – Kyle Bergman, Joshua Bernstein, Caleb Brodie, Matthew Cherry, Aaron Feinberg, Eric Fischer, Christopher Friedman, Max Gradinger, Jesse Hartman, Ian Kadish, Eric Kansky, Jacob Kane, Andrew Landsman, Daniel Leventhal, Seth Mahler, Noah Miller, Jacob Milner, Zachary Ornstein, Jonathan Rathauser, Alex Siegel, Jacob Silberlicht, Glen Tobin
Thu, Jul 28 – Israel 9, Switzerland 2
Fri, Jul 29 – Israel 17, Spain 1
Sun, Jul 31 – Israel 17, Belgium 4
Mon, Aug 1 – Israel 12, Slovenia 0
Tue, Aug 2 – Israel 16, Sweden 6
Wed, Aug 3 – Israel 8, Germany 4 (Quarterfinals)
Thu, Aug 4 – Israel 10, Wales 3 (Semifinals)
Sat, Aug 6 – England 7, Israel 6 (Gold Medal Game)