BUDAPEST, HUNGARY — The Israel men’s national team is off to a hot start at the 2016 ELF European Lacrosse Championships, which are being held at Szent István University in Budapest, Hungary, from July 28-August 6.
The blue-and-white opened their schedule with a 9-2 win over 15th-ranked Switzerland on a rainy Thursday, before rolling past Spain, 17-1, on Friday.
The Swiss controlled early in the opener, drawing first-blood on a Jonathan Schreiber score at 4:12, before the Israelis finally got on the board at 1:52 of the second quarter. Chris McCall put Switzerland up 2-1 at the 3:35 mark, but Israel’s defense would hold them scoreless for the remaining 56 minutes of the match as they slowly build heir lead.
Israel led 4-2 at the half and 6-2 after three quarters.
Caleb Brodie, Daniel Leventhal and Noah Miller scored two goals apiece for Israel (2-0), while Eric Fischer (80:00, 5 saves, 2 GA) earned the win in goal.
The game was played in the late afternoon following several delays due to severe weather on opening day.
Israel dominated on day two, jumping out to a 14-0 lead and claiming a 17-1 over Spain.
Abelenda De La Casa scored the lone goal for Spain at 36:55.
Caleb Brodie led Israel with four goals and two assists, while Ian Kadish and Noah Miller scored three goals each.
Eric Fischer (35:00, 1 save, 0 GA) and Andrew Landsman (45:00, 4 saves, 1 GA) split time in goal. Fischer was credited the win.
The Israelis are currently tied with Sweden atop their group and appear to be on track to advance to the eight-team knockout stage. Israel continues pool play on Sunday against Belgium at 1:15pm.
Caps (x2) – 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
Israel/Switzerland Official Boxscore
Israel/Spain Official Boxscore
Thu, Jul 28 – Israel 9, Switzerland 2
Fri, Jul 29 – Israel 17, Spain 1
Sun, Jul 31 – Israel vs #27 Belgium – 1:15pm
Mon, Aug 1 – Israel vs Slovenia – 11:45am
Tue, Aug 2 – Israel vs #11 Sweden – 11:30am
**Playoffs begin on Wednesday, April 3