So, good morning USA! Well, it's deja vu all over again. Just as we did and had to do in 2013, we won our final group stage game against Australia 2:0. Truth be told, it should have been at least 5-7 goals, as we couldn't finish clear chances inside the box. That being said, we did all the simple and smart things today to qualify us for the quarter finals. I will find out our opponent later this afternoon. It could be one of three teams, Uruguay, Brazil or Canada. Since we finished 2nd in our group, behind Great Britain, we will play the winner of that group, as it was in 2013. Today Stephen Elias scored the opening goal at the 30 minute mark on an assist from Alec Weiss. Later in the first half we had a penalty kick, but missed. So half ended with the USA 1 and Australia 0. We came out in the second half on fire, taking many chances, but nothing to show for it. Finally in the 61st minute Jake Rozhansky scored on another assist from Alec Weiss. So the score of 2:0 would stand and send us through to the quarter finals for the second consecutive Maccabiah. Everyone got to play in this game, for which I am very happy. I think now we have found a nice rhythm to our game, creating the flow we needed to be successful. It was a great team win, with our backs against the wall in this all or nothing game. We certainly handled the pressure like champions and I look forward to continuing this journey on Wednesday. Winning on Wednesday, will send us to the semi finals the next day on Thursday afternoon. It's really nice when a team of players know what's at stake and don't run and hide from it, but rather attack it with every ounce of energy and fortitude and accomplish their goal. I'm extremely proud of each of these young men, for handling this game, like they did, after such a difficult loss the day before to Great Britain. They had hit bottom and instead of feeling sorry for themselves, they hit it and bounced back up even higher! So on to the quarters on Wednesday and another "shot at glory"!

I wish you all a wonderful day and please keep us in your thoughts for Wednesday! Coach G from Jerusalem