2014 FIL World Lacrosse Championship Update: Iroquois, Israel in Quarterfinal Round
DENVER – Many UAlbany lacrosse representatives in the 2014 FIL World Games will compete in the championship tournament, with the Iroquois Nationals and Team Israel moving on to the quarterfinal round.
Iroquois Nationals
The Iroquois Nationals earned the third seed to advance to the quarterfinal round after going 3-2 in the Blue Division with wins over England, Australia and Japan. Its only defeats came from the two top teams in the world, the USA and Canada, falling to the latter 8-7 after coming back from down five.
The Thompson brothers, co-winners of the Tewaaraton Trophy this year, has been stellar on the national stage. Miles Thompson has scored eight goals and 12 assists for the team, including two goals and seven assists against Japan, while Lyle Thompson has earned 12 goals and four assists, earning four goals and an assist vs. Australia. The two are currently the leading scorers for the Iroquois Nationals in the tournament.
The team will face Team Scotland in the quarterfinal round at 6 p.m. ET (4 p.m. MT) on Wednesday, with the winner taking on Team Canada in the semifinals on Thursday.
Team Israel
Team Israel has dominated all in its path, sweeping the Orange Division then defeating Ireland and Germany to earn a play-in berth spot in the quarterfinal round. Including its 15-1 win over Germany, Israel, assisted by UAlbany offensive coordinator and 2007 alum Eric Wolf, has outscored its opposition 88-18. Among Israel’s offense includes Ari Sussman with 16 goals and 15 assists and Matthew Cherry with 11 goals and nine assists.
“It’s been an honor to be part of this team,” said Wolf. “Every minute and hour that goes by Israel is on our minds and in our hearts. We hope that our efforts on the field can bring some small joy to our people back in Israel who are fighting for their lives and our home.”
The team will play Australia, the 4-seed from the Blue Division, in the quarterfinal round on Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET (7 p.m. MT). The victor plays Team USA in the semifinals on Thursday.
Team Latvia
After going 1-2 in the White Division, Team Latvia has played well in the consolation rounds with wins over Spain and Norway, winning those games by a combined 36-11, to stand at 3-2 overall.
The Lasda brothers have been stellar for Team Latvia. Eli Lasda has scored nine goals and seven assists in five games, including an eight-point performance off four goals and four assists against Spain. Riley Lasda stands with five goals and two assists in the tournament, scoring in all five games for Latvia thus far.
Next opponent for Team Latvia will be Hong Kong. The teams will play Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. ET (11:30 a.m. MT).
