SURREY, ENGLAND — The Israel women’s national team fell to the top-ranked United States, 20-3, in the Quarterfinals of the 2017 FIL Women’s World Cup at Surrey Sports Park on Wednesday.
The blue-and-white hung tight early, with Rachel Ozer and Alison Curwin answering early scores by the United States to tie the game at 1-1 and 2-2. The elated Israeli fans were loud and proud through the first half as the Americans — who significantly outperformed the world’s top competition in pool play — seemed to be in a competitive match for the first time in England.
However, the parity would not last long as USA scored four straight goals to take a 6-2 advantage. Ozer answered back to trim the deficit to 6-3, but, the Americans piled on seven more scores to take a 13-3 lead into the half.
Ozer (two goals), Curwin (one goal) and Jayme Verman (one assist) cracked the scoresheet for Israel, while Blaire Nathanson (60:00, 8 saves, 20 GA) was dealt the loss in goal.
Despite the loss, the Israelis can finish no worse than 8th place after a thrilling playoff win over #9 Japan. Israel is currently ranked 8th in the world and looks to improve their ranking in consolation matches on Thursday and Friday.
Thursday’s match against 5th-ranked Wales is a crucial one, as a win would likely earn the Israelis a promotion to the top group at the 2021 FIL World Cup. Opening draw is scheduled for 5:00 PM local / 7:00 PM Israel / 12:00 PM ET.
Schedule/Results
Thu, Jul 13 – Israel 17, Netherlands 3
Fri, Jul 14 – Israel 16, Czech Republic 8
Sun, Jul 16 – Israel 18, China 0
Mon, Jul 17 – Israel 18, Belgium 0
Tue, Jul 18 – Israel 8, Japan 7 (OT; first-round playoff)
Wed, Jul 19 – United States 20, Israel 3 (Quarterfinals)
Thu, Jul 20 – Israel vs. #5 Wales (Consolation match)
*Final placement games are on July 21st
Additional caps – Sarah Andersen, Nikol Baglay, Jenna Baverman, Gabriela Cheban, Alex Freedman, Leah Israel, Emma Lazaroff, Megan Lerner, Sarah Meisenberg, Courtney Miller, Ali Steinberg, Jessi Steinberg