Slovaks won in Budapest again

Slovaks, scored another success during its existence, when managed to win the tournament standing committee New Years Cup 2017, which takes place regularly in January in Budapest. This tournament was also the official start of preparation for national team for the upcoming World Cup in Manchester, England.

This year was the tournament in Budapest really very busy. Participation in the selection of Germany, with a number of representatives in the team Erlangen. The Swiss national team was represented in the form of Toblerone and the team did not lack either representing Poland. Of the other teams, it can say that it was the international teams, because home BLAX had on their roster four Czechs, Americans, Russians and Japanese. The Israeli Ashdod was also some representatives, who started against the Slovaks at the World Championships in Denver. Also noteworthy Austrian Monarchs and the Latvian Mitava who are making most players for national teams.

Our players traveled to Budapest with a desire to advance as far as possible, although the day before departure, for various health problems up to 5 players to opt-out, which meant a big hit in the report. The boys, despite the fact that the team had three newcomers were able to surprise the whole world of lacrosse. Many people shook their heads at how it is possible that a team that has a rotation of only one player was able to beat teams that were full rosters as well as stamina to endure the whole tournament play at high tempo.

Friday’s match was the first for our trial by fire, they accepted the Polish national team, who had a team more US support, starting with the goalkeeper, defender and midfielder through. Nevertheless, our boys opponent by surprise and overcame an overview 5:1.

The second match against Switzerland Toblerone was even more explicit, and our opponents have to cope smoothly 8:2. Second victory in the tournament meant the secure procedures of the group and thus the opportunity to play in the final. For us, however, it was still enough matches.

The last opponent of our guys on Friday was Latvian team. Hardball our Latvians did not sit at all and adapt to it, resulting in only that they were constantly on the penalty bench and rival penalty of exclusion goals. Nor improved performance in the second part of the game does not erase six goal difference and Slovaks are in the tournament for the first time they lost a 3:6.

Win meant that in our next match against old boarded known Vienna Monarchs, who won the second group. Match the beginning, in the hands of our boys and dictated the pace of the game. Leading 3:0, opponent responded with two goals. Then held onto Slovaks goalkeepers Chylik and Mraz and in the man down situation scored Kramar, when increased to 4:2. In conclusion, the Slovaks managed to score even raise and win 6:3.

A special feature of the tournament was a rematch against Mitava who has lost the fight with Blax. So if anyone want to advance to the finals, had to win. Our guys this time brought a much more disciplined performance and not let the opponent do anything. At the same time they punish every mistake and score will put a stop to the final 8:0 in favor of the black and orange.

Finals of the tournament to ensure two teams that finished after the primary part at the second places. Hungarian Blax and Slovak guys. The match was a balanced home and embarked on Tricksters from the introduction of a clear objective to win. Slovaks, however, withstand the onslaught and then scored thanks to Purgat. The opponent then score in power play, but our guys went back into the lead. For this goal even Hungarians were able to respond, but then came goals, on the other Tricksters, which meant a significant edge in the match. In conclusion, even as it tried to make the game a Hungarian judge, who handed out a three-minute penalty for a second, even meaningless things. Pets, however, managed to score only two goals and the score of the final 4:6.

The winner of the tournament was so unexpected became Slovaks. We believe that our boys form will last and that will add some nice moments for Slovak lacrosse.