The IPLL Playoffs are underway this evening when Barak Netanya LC hosts Ashkelon LC at Shapira Field. Faceoff is slated for 7:15 PM.
Netanya (4-2) is riding hot with a two-game winning streak heading into the postseason, including a 10-7 win over Ashkelon (2-4) on Wednesday to wrap up the regular season.
Netanya defeated Ashkelon, 10-6, in week one.
While it’s not easy to defeat a team three times, that’s what Barak needs to do to advance to the IPLL Championship Game.
Players to Watch
Ashkelon LC
Mitch Goldberg, Richmond – Goldberg has scored eight of his 17 goals against Netanya. Expect most of Ashkelon’s offense to come off his stick tonight.
Yotam Drori, Ashkelon – With Ashkelon thin on numbers, Drori and his local counterparts need to step up to give Ashkelon a chance.
Juri Elonen, LTC Finland – Elonen has 64 saves on the season; a big night could help his team to the upset win.
Barak Netanya LC
Jesse Parker, Binghamton – Parker scored four goals and two assists in a pair of wins for Netanya last week. He’s become an offensive leader for Barak.
Austin Wolf, RIT – Wolf has led a defensive corps which has been standout all season.
Andrew Copeland, Coquitlam – Primarily a box goalie, Copeland has been a standout in goal in his two starts for Netanya this week, making 19 saves and allowing just 12 goals.
Prediction:
Goldberg and Ashkelon will put up a fight, but Barak Netanya prevail in a hard-fought battle and will continue rolling into the IPLL Championship Game.