NYMBURK, CZECH REPUBLIC — The Israel women’s national team opened their 2015 European Championship schedule with a 9-9 draw to Wales at Sportovní Centrum on Thursday.
Scoring first was Israel’s Amanda Tuck who buried the ball after being granted a free position from the center hash. Wales then answered back with a quick feed from the right side of the arc to an open player on the crease, resulting in their first goal of the game.
The scoring went back and forth once more with Wales scoring their second goal just minutes after Israel put away its second. However after Israel’s third goal, put away by Courtney Miller coming off of a 30 meter feed from Tuck, the Israelis went on a seven-goal run, opening a dominating 9-2 lead.
Julia Szfaman had an amazing game in goal this afternoon, making safe after save and causing the Wales offense multiple turnovers. After the second half, Wales began to pressure out on defense, showing Europe just why they entered the tournament at the number two spot. Israel remained strong throughout but they could not stop Wales’s overpowering momentum.
Wales ended the game by scoring their ninth and final goal with just 12 seconds remaining, leaving the two teams tied 9-9.
Sarah Meisenberg (two goals, one assist) led Israel, while Courtney Miller (two goals), Leah Sherman (two goals) and Amanda Tuck (one goal, one assist) also had big days. Emily Brodsky and Ifat Ribon added singles, while Kim Dubansky and Halsey Diakow each chipped in an assist.
Julia Szafman (60:00, 10 saves, 9 GA) had a tremendous day in goal.
Israel will face newcomer Italy in a must-win game on Friday at 7pm Israel time / 12pm ET. The match will be streamed live, free of charge at www.ec15lax.com.
Additional caps – Hannah Deoul, Hannah Epstein, Marlee Galper, Sarah Greenberg, Katie Mazer, Ellie Rosenblum, Sophia Rosetti, Jessica Rothstein, Taylor Roy
Mon, Aug 3 – Israel vs. #10 Ireland (friendly; W, 10-2)
Tue, Aug 4 – Israel vs. Czech Republic (friendly; W, 10-5)
Thu, Aug 6 – Israel vs. #5 Wales (pool play; T, 9-9) – Video
Fri, Aug 7 at 6:00 PM – Israel vs. Italy
Sun, Aug 9 at 9:00 AM – Israel vs. #14 Netherlands
**Playoffs begin on August 11th