Tel Aviv LC will host Barak Netanya LC in the season opener for both teams on Wednesday at Nave Golan Sports Center. Faceoff is slated for 6:30pm.
Both teams should be well prepared as Netanya has had an opportunity to practice twice, and Tel Aviv’s roster has a strong familiarity with each other as most live in the city year-round.
The two teams won’t have much time to heal any wounds, as they’ll be back in action right away on Thursday at the Netanya Lacrosse Festival.
Fans are encouraged to come early (5:30pm) to watch Netanya and Tel Aviv’s U-15 Academy teams faceoff to open their 2015 summer season.
Players to Watch
Barak Netanya LC
Jesse Parker, Binghamton – Parker scored five goals and two assists in a pair of games for the Birthright All-Stars.
Bryan Hopper, Hamilton – Hopper can do it all for Netanya, and with a lack of depth on the roster, he won’t leave the field much on Wednesday.
Joey Manna, SUNY Delhi – Manna’s size makes him a force at the faceoff X.
Tel Aviv LC
Jon Rathuser, McGill – Rathauser’s skill and leadership on defense make him a key player.
Noah Knopf, Harvard – Knopf has the ability to shut down anyone on the opposition.
Reuven Dressler, Yale – The 42-year-old goalkeeper showed last week he doesn’t have any rust to shake off.
Prediction:
Tel Aviv’s loaded defense won’t allow Barak to find the back of the net too often, but they’ll have trouble scoring themselves. Look for Netanya to eek out the win in a defensive battle.