Ready, Set, Are You Ready To Play? “Yes” answers USA!

It was a game filled with a lot of heart — and also a lot of defense — for Team Colombia who played their first game here in Brunico - Bruneck, Italy against Team USA with only six players including their goalie. And despite facing an uphill battle, Team Colombia goalie Juan Pablo Platero made 45 saves, allowing 14 goals by Team USA.

Team USA’s team is deep and strong entering the tournament. Along with steady goaltending by JP Susco who made 10 saves on 10 shots, Tommy Tyler (3 goals), Jimmy McGrath (1), Carmelo Stracuzzi (4), Vince Free (2), Mike Francis (2), Casey Kennedy (1) and Shaun McGrath (1) helped Team USA secure their 14-0 victory over Team Colombia, laying the groundwork for a strategic run for gold. It was a relatively clean game with only two overlapping penalties in which the teams played three-a-side for almost 2 minutes.

Although Colombia was playing with a player deficit, it was an ideal game for both teams to get their footing and shake off their travel legs.  Both teams have now opened their book for the tournament, and we are excited to see the next chapter as it is written.

M Cruise