DRESDEN, GERMANY — Israel finished 2-0 in its exhibitions against Germany in Dresden this weekend, topping the locals 13-9 on Saturday and 7-4 on Sunday.
Ryan Hunter led the way on the scoreboard both days, potting four and two goals in the first and second games, respectively. Saturday, Eric Fischer scored three, Kyle Bergman posted two and Marc Skolnick, Matt Popeck, Jacob Silberlicht and Jonathan Rathauser each added one. Bergman had two assists, and Matthew Flapan, Silberlicht and Popeck each contributed one. Goalie Matt Mason made 14 saves.
Sunday, Andrew Kruter, Nate Menninger, Fischer, Bergman and Silberlicht all scored one goal each. Bergman had two assists, with Max Kaufman and Rathauser also having one assist each. Mason recorded 11 saves on the day.
Israel general manager Brad MacArthur, who served as acting head coach for the weekend series, said he was encouraged with what we saw in the first game. He didn’t like Israel’s scoreless middle quarters in the second game much and made mention of the team’s 23 turnovers on the day, but he appreciated his team’s response.
“The third quarter was an absolute disaster, and then the fourth quarter we picked back up where we should be,” MacArthur said. “We’ve got a veteran core group of guys who have been around, so when we’re asking them to do certain things, they listen.”
Even though Germany lost both matchups, Germany head coach Matt Bagley said he was happy to have his team together for competitive games. Germany had gone almost a year without playing outside competition and getting games in before the 2018 FIL Men’s World Lacrosse Championships in Netanya in July is vital.
“Trust is earned, and it’s earned on the field,” Bagley said. “After Saturday’s game, they really did come together, and you could see that trust building as each game went on. Players were more confident in each other.”
MacArthur also took off-field experiences away from the games. He said there was plenty for the Israel program to gain from the games, and he’s thrilled Israel and Germany were able to make it happen.
“It’s good for us to hit the road in Europe and get these minutes in against a quality program,” added MacArthur. “These games are invaluable as we build towards opening night in Netanya on July 12th.”
Caps (x2): Ori Bar David, Kyle Bergman, Eric Cantor, Eric Fischer, Matthew Flapan, Chris Friedman, Kevin Harper, Ryan Hunter, Max Kaufman, Andrew Kruter, Seth Mahler, Matt Mason, Nate Menninger, Peter Moran, Franklin Pargh, Matt Popeck, Jonathan Rathauser, Jacob Silberlicht, Marc Skolnick, Micah Stalarow
Israel Men’s National Team Spring Tour
Sat, Apr 7 in New York, NY- New York Athletic Club 13, Israel 12 (OT) – Recap
Sun, Apr 8 in Hewlett, NY – New York Lizards 23, Israel 6 – Recap
Wed, Apr 11 in Kiryat Gat, Israel – England 7, Israel 6 – Recap
Thu, Apr 12 in Jerusalem, Israel – England 8, Israel 6 – Recap
Fri, Apr 13 in Ashkelon, Israel – England 11, Israel 10 – Recap
Sat, Apr 14 in Herzliya, Israel – England 12, Israel 5 – Recap
Sun, Apr 15 in Netanya, Israel – England 8, Israel 7 – Recap
Sat, Apr 21 in Dresden, Germany – Israel 13, Germany 9
Sun, Apr 22 in Dresden, Germany – Israel 7, Germany 4