USA Men Topple Australia 9-4 To Open Play In Volvo Cup
2/24/2010 12:00:00 AM
Budapest, Hungary - February 24 - The USA Men's Senior National Team opened play in the Volvo Cup in strong fashion with a 9-4 defeat of Australia earlier today. Behind three goals from Tony Azevedo (Long Beach, CA/NYAC) and two from Thomas Hopkins (Coronado, CA/Olympic Club) the squad cruised to a five goal victory. Merrill Moses (Palos Verdes, CA/NYAC) and Andy Stevens (Orange, CA/Villa Park) combined in net for 11 saves.
Team USA jumped out to a 3-1 lead after the first quarter and built up a 6-1 advantage at halftime. From there the defense was able to keep the Aussies at bay allowing just three goals over the next two quarters to come away winners at 9-4. Team USA went 2/5 on power players while holding Australia to just 2/8. In addition the United States converted two penalty shots, both coming from Azevedo.
"There was good team energy, the guys are playing solid defense and quickly learning their roles. Just a good overall effort," added USA Head Coach Terry Schroeder.
The red, white, and blue are back in action later today in Hungary when they take on Canada at 8:30pm local time.
Scoring
USA 9 (3, 3, 1, 2) T. Azevedo 3, T. Hopkins 2, Z. Monsees 1, J. Smith 1, S. Davidson 1, B. Hohl 1
AUS 4 (1, 0, 2, 1)
Saves - USA - M. Moses 6, A. Stevens 5
6x5 - USA 2/5 - AUS - 2/8
Penalties - USA 2/2
Mens' National Team