Mann's Six Goals Powers USA To 11-8 Win Over Italy At World University Games
7/10/2009 12:00:00 AM
Belgrade, Serbia - July 10 - Team USA outgunned Italy 11-8 in a high scoring affair at the World University Games, thanks in large part to six goals from center John Mann. The United States will wrap up competition in the tournament on Sunday, July 12 as they compete for fifth place with an opponent to be determined, most likely Hungary.
In this match the United States got off to a great start opening up a 5-3 lead after the first quarter. The offense slowed a bit in the second stanza as Italy outscored Team USA 2-1 to trim their deficit to 6-5 at halftime. The third period saw both teams even with three goals each and it was 9-8 in favor of the United States going to the fourth. Kirk Everist's squad did the job defensively in the final period keeping the Italians scoreless while adding on two more tallies to pull away for the 11-8 victory.
Along with Mann's scoring outburst the United States received two goals each from Shea Buckner and JP MacDonnell as well as a single score from Jacob Murphy. Jimmie Sandman was solid in net turning away 10 shots. Team USA was efficient on power plays going 4/8 on player advantages while Italy struggled at 2/7. Both team failed to convert on their lone penalty shot attempts.
Scoring
USA 11 (5, 1, 3, 2) J. Mann 6, J. MacDonnell 2, S. Buckner 2, J. Murphy 1
ITA 8 (3, 2, 3, 0) F. la Penna 2, R. di Somma 2, P. Saccoia 1, L. Gobbi 1, A. Nora 1, M. Ferrone 1
Saves - USA - J. Sandman 10 - ITA - S. Mina 8
6x5 - USA - 4/8 - ITA 2/7
Penalties - USA - 0/1 - ITA 0/1
Boxscore
Mens' National Team