ONONDAGA NATION, HAUDENOSAUNEE TERRITORIES — The Israel men’s national box lacrosse team stunned Czech Republic in the quarterfinals of the FIL 2015 World Indoor Lacrosse Championships on Thursday.
Israel jumped out to early 5-0 and 7-1 leads and fended off a late rally by the 4th-ranked Czechs to punch their ticket into the semifinals.
The win ensures Israel a fourth-place finish or better; they’ll play top-ranked Canada in the semifinals on Friday at 4:30pm, followed by either the Bronze or Gold Medal game on Sunday at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse.
Canada has won the Gold Medal in all three prior World Indoor Championships; they’re a perfect 21-0 in all-time international indoor competition.
Zachary Pall (3 goals, 4 assists), Chad Culp (2 goals, 5 assists), Noah Miller (3 goals, 1 assist), Bryan Hopper (2 goals, 3 assists) and Kyle Bergman (1 goal, 3 assists) had big nights for Israel.
Zachary Higgins (60:00, 39 saves, 12 goals against) earned the win in goal.
Schedule / Results
Fri, Sep 18 – Israel vs. Serbia (pool play; W, 15-8)
Sat, Sep 19 – Israel vs. Germany (pool play; L, 10-9)
Sun, Sep 20 – Israel vs. #7 Ireland (pool play; W, 12-6)
Mon, Sep 21 – Israel vs. Finland (first round playoff; W, 14-4)
Tue, Sep 22 – Israel vs. #7 Ireland (seeding match; W, 12-7)
Thu, Sep 24 – Israel vs. #4 Czech Republic (quarterfinals; W, 13-12)
Fri, Sep 25 – Israel vs. #1 Canada (semifinals; watch live)
Sun, Sep 27 – Medal Games