BRYN MAWR, PENNSYLVANIA — Matthew Cherry scored the game-winner with 3:02 remaining to lift Israel past Greece, 8-7, in the opener of the 2016 Philadelphia International Showdown on Friday at Shipley School.
The score was tied 5-5 at the half, before both teams were scoreless in the third quarter. Zachary Pall broke the drought at 1:30 of the fourth quarter to give the blue-and-white their first lead of the game. The teams traded goal through the fourth before Cherry’s late score. Greece was unable to convert on their final possession before Pall ran out the clock for the Israelis.
Pall (two goals, one assist) and Will Gettinger (two goals) led Israel, while Jordan Canter, Nick Lipsher, Grey Soule, and Cherry added singles. Adam Wolf chipped in an assist.
Jakob Katzen (30:00, 8 saves, 5 GA) and Ryan Rosenthal (30:00, 9 saves, 2 GA) split time in goal; Rosenthal was credited the win.
Israel (1-0) is back in action on Saturday evening with an exhibition game against Team Headstrong in Allentown (no broadcast). The team meets Hungary and Philippines in a doubleheader on Sunday. While the tournament is a Men’s (Senior) division event, Israel is fielding a predominantly U-19 team as the program develops and transitions their player pool for the next level.
Additional caps – Greg Bortnick, Sam Dubner, Noah Hirshorn, Andrew Kruter, Tyler Brown-Ortiz, Sam Hecht, Zachary Horowitz, Jules Jacobs, Ethan Kruteck, Sam Roth, Jared Rubin, Corey Sachs, Isaac Sacks, David Wolfson
Watch replay – http://x.accesslacrosse.com/index.php/2013-01-21-15-15-13/outdoor/item/611-israel-vs-greece-52716.html