FloridaLacrosseNews.com thanks Israel Lacrosse for allowing us to reprint their coverage of the exhibition game in Miami last Sunday. I will also write a column based on my thoughts from attending the game.
MIAMI, FLORIDA — The Israel men’s national lacrosse team scored early and often and held on to defeat Florida International University, 17-11, in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Miami Country Day School on Sunday.
Matt Opsahl (Hobart) scored five goals and Kyle Bergman (Drexel) scored four times for Israel, who used the event to showcase its’ star American players to the local Jewish community, as well as develop several future prospects.
Israel will announce its’ World Championship roster — which will be comprised equally of Israel-based and American-based players — in January.
The blue-and-white had a fast start, taking a 7-2 advantage after the first quarter and an 11-4 lead into the half.
Hobart forward Matt Opsahl celebrates one of his five goals; Israel defeated Florida International University, 17-11, in exhibition play at Miami Country Day School.
The game was a tough test for the Israelis, as FIU head coach Mark Parets bolstered his roster for the game with a handful of star players, including Mario Ventiquattro (four goals), Shamel Bratton (two goals), Chazz Woodson (two goals), Matthew Bellando (two goals), and Doug Shanahan (one goal).
Ohio State product Thomas Kloslowski and Hong Kong national Thomas Wong also suited up for FIU and played excellent defensively, while Francisco Villafane and AJ Babnik split time in goal.
Jeremy Tissenbaum (two goals), Brad Neuman (two goals), Alex Wilson (one goal, one assist), Ben Saperstein (one goal), Cody Levine (one goal), Alec Bialosky (one goal), Mark Jutkowitz (one assist), Max Waldman (one assist) and Jonathan Segal (one assist) also cracked the scoresheet for Team Israel.
Jacob Reiner (40:00, 6 GA) and Mark Chaplin (40:00, 5 GA) split time in goal; Reiner was credited the victory.
Poland will host Israel in exhibition play on Dec 29 in Warsaw.
Additional caps – Jake Bernstein, Josh Bernstein, Cole Borg, Sam Cohen, Lee Coppersmith, Chris Friedman, Mike Grosz, Jordan Karp, Ross Koenig, Eytan Saperstein, Mack Shoer, Marc Woolf, Daniel Young
http://www.lacrosse.co.il/2013/12/israel-tops-fiu-17-11-in-showcase-event/
