VANCOUVER, CANADA — The Israel U-19 Men’s National Team scored early and often to defeat fellow newcomer Hong Kong, 10-3, to open the 2016 U-19 World Lacrosse Championships at Percy Perry Stadium on Friday.
Nick Schulkin scored five goals — including the first-ever score for Israel in a U-19 World Championship — and added one assist to earn Bank Hapoalim Player of the Game honors for the blue-and-white.
Israel (1-0) jumped out to a 6-0 lead before Siu On Ng put Hong Kong on the born at the 32:30 mark.
Schulkin’s goal at 18:07 would stand tall as the game-winner, as Israel was able to hold their lead in a low-scoring second half.
Joshua Bernstein (two goals, one assist) and Alon Berkowitz (two goals) had big days for Israel, while Zachary Ornstein (one goal, two assists), Noah Knopf (one assist) and Yotam Drori (one assist) chipped in as well.
David Metzger (50:00, 6 saves, 2 GA) earned the win in goal; Jonah Hirshorn (30:00, 2 saves, 1 GA) also saw action.
Dic Sum Lai (40:00, 7 saves, 1 GA) had a big second half in goal for Hong Kong while Lai Yin Fun (40:00, 8 saves, 9 GA) was dealt the loss.
Israel is back in action on Sunday at 10am local / 1pm ET / 8pm Israel time when they meet Taiwan (0-0) at Percy Perry Stadium.
Additional caps – Rakan Aboneaaj, Moshe Aviv, Ori Bar David, Alon Bechor, Ron Bentura, Yinai Bittmann, Benor Buniel, Mor Cohen, Hayden Edelson, Liron Glam, Ilan Hascal, Sagi Hashai, Adam Hilelly, Alex Milhailov, Daniel Simpson, Bar Yahalom
Israel U-19 Men’s Training Schedule
Fri, Jun 3 – Birthright/USA Stars 7, Israel 5 (Park Ofer – Ramla, Israel)
Sun, Jun 19 – Birthright/USA Stars 6, Israel 1 (Shapira Field – Netanya, Israel)
Sun, Jul 3 – Building Blocks 10, Israel 3 (Newark Academy – Livingston, NJ)
Mon, Jul 4 – Israel 9, Fair Lawn Cutters 8 (Tenafly Municipal Field – Tenafly, NJ)
Wed, Jul 6 – Ireland 13, Israel 5 (Town Centre Park – Vancouver, Canada)
Israel U-19 Men’s World Championship Schedule
Fri, Jul 8 – Israel 10, Hong Kong 3 (Percy Perry Stadium – Vancouver, Canada)
Sun, Jul 10 at 10:00 AM – Israel vs Taiwan (Percy Perry Stadium – Vancouver, Canada)
Mon, Jul 11 at 12:30 PM – Israel vs #7 Germany (Percy Perry Stadium – Vancouver, Canada)
Tue, Jul 12 at 10:00 AM – Israel vs Mexico (Percy Perry Stadium – Vancouver, Canada)
Playoffs and consolation rounds begin on Wednesday, July 13th