ONONDAGA NATION, HAUDENOSAUNEE TERRITORIES — The Israel national box lacrosse team will play in the men’s program’s first Medal Game — across any format — when they take on the United States at the FIL World Indoor Lacrosse Championships today at 1pm at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, NY.
Israel earned the right to compete at “The Dome” with an upset win over 4th-seeded Czech Republic in Thursday night’s quarterfinal. Sunday is not only the first Medal Game for the blue-and-white, it’s the first time Israel will face the United States, in what is the biggest game in the lacrosse program’s short history.
The game will be streamed live, free of charge, at www.wilc2015.com and NBC Universal Online.
Canada — who is 22-0 all-time in World Indoor competition — eliminated Israel from Gold Medal contention on Friday in the semifinals, with a 19-3 win. Israel hung tough early, trailing 2-1 and 5-2 late in the first half, but Canada was able to flex their muscles and earn their spot in Sunday’s Gold Medal game with a strong second half.
Kyle Bergman (two goals), Noah Miller (one goal) and Chase Clark (three assists) led Israel offensively. Zachary Higgins (38:29, 35 saves, 12 GA) and Andrew Copeland (21:31, 13 saves, 7 GA) split time in goal; Higgins was dealt the loss.
Additional caps: Alec Aloni, Adam Crystal, Chad Culp, Matthew Flapan, Kevin Harper, Bryan Hopper, Dalton Lundy, Seth Mahler, Cole McCormack, Zachary Pall, Andrew Price, Jacob Silberlicht, Benjamin Smith.
Schedule / Results
Fri, Sep 18 – Israel vs. Serbia (pool play; W, 15-8)
Sat, Sep 19 – Israel vs. Germany (pool play; L, 10-9)
Sun, Sep 20 – Israel vs. #7 Ireland (pool play; W, 12-6)
Mon, Sep 21 – Israel vs. Finland (first round playoff; W, 14-4)
Tue, Sep 22 – Israel vs. #7 Ireland (seeding match; W, 12-7)
Thu, Sep 24 – Israel vs. #4 Czech Republic (quarterfinals; W, 13-12)
Fri, Sep 25 – Israel vs. #1 Canada (semifinals; L, 19-3)
Sun, Sep 27 – Israel vs. #3 United States (bronze medal match; watch live)