Israel Lacrosse has released a 19-man roster for the Israel men’s national team which will compete at the ELF 2016 Men’s European Lacrosse Championships, which are being held at Szent István University in Budapest, Hungary, from July 28-August 6.
Although the Israel Lacrosse Association has announced a policy for European competition which restricts the roster to Israel-based players, the team is expected to fill out their squad with eligible players from the Israel Premier Lacrosse League who meet a six-game minimum for the 2016 season.
The blue-and-white are one of 24 countries vying for a Gold Medal at the European Championships. They open their schedule against an up-and-coming program in 15th-ranked Switzerland on July 28th at 1:15pm. The two teams have never met in World or European Championship play, however, the Swiss defeated Israel 8-6 in a friendly in 2012.
The Israelis wrap up pool play against 11th-ranked Sweden, who won Bronze at the last edition of the European Championships in 2012. Israel earned a decisive 19-4 win over Sweden at the opener of the 2014 World Championships.
Thu, Jul 28 – Israel vs #15 Switzerland – 1:15pm
Fri, Jul 29 – Israel vs #30 Spain – 10:15am
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
Israel must finish either 1st or 2nd in their pool in order to advance to the Quarterfinals.
The European Championships are held every four years, and the Israel men are hoping to improve upon their 8th Place finish at the 2012 Euros in Amsterdam. LacrosseAllStars.com has predicted Israel and Sweden will emerge from Pool C to the eight-team playoffs.
Perennial European powerhouse England is the favorite to win their fourth straight Gold Medal.
In conjunction with the Israel Lacrosse Tzedakah Program, each player will be competing in honor of a charity of their choosing.
Head Coach: Jeff Schwartz
Assistant Coaches: Pete Ginnegar, Jordan Hirsch
Athletic Trainer: Michael Boisselle
Photo Credit: Sportpic Israel