Israel Keeps Medal Dreams Alive with Quarterfinal Win

The favourites came in and did the job on Friday (August 12). 

In the first quarterfinal of the 2022 IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship, Israel crushed a depleted Australian squad 23-11 inside the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, MB. 

Jackson Porter went off for a first quarter hat trick to set the offensive pace for Israel, but after 15 minutes of play they only lead 5-3 thanks to a strong response from Cameron Squarek, Kobey Edwards and Zander Elkins.  

In quarter two, Ari Weiss entered the chat with three goals and an assist, putting Australia down 11-5 at the half. 

The third quarter was Australia's strongest as they put four past Jackson Hainer, but it was Josh Yachney, Ben Hobday, Justin Charlton and Easton Berrns all responding with goals for Israel. 

[PHOTO: Players of the Game | Israel Ari Weiss (left), Australia Adam Thistlethwaite (right)]

There was no stopping the train once it got going and Israel cruised to a quarterfinal win in the fourth quarter as Porter finished with 10 points, Yachney had nine and Ari Weiss found the twine six times. 

Jackson Hainer stopped 29/40 in the win. Connor Magee made 31 saves and Lucas Deshon made nine in the loss for Australia. 

Israel now faces their toughest test of the tournament, the host Canadians in the semifinal on Saturday. 

All games can be seen on the TSN app, streaming on TSN Direct and on TSN.ca.