Hungary Edges Team USA 9-8 For Fifth Place At World University Games
7/12/2009 12:00:00 AM
Belgrade, Serbia - July 12 - Despite a furious fourth quarter rally the United States was unable to overcome Hungary earlier today falling 9-8 on the final day of competition at the World University Games. This was the second loss to Hungary in the tournament, the earlier contest also ending at 9-8 in favor of the Hungarians. With the loss the squad takes sixth place at the event posting a 3-3-1.
In this match it was all Hungary in the first half. After the two teams were even through one quarter at 2-2, Hungary poured it on in the second quarter posting five goals while keeping Team USA scoreless to open up a 7-2 advantage at halftime. In the third quarter the United States tried to battle back outscoring Hungary 2-1 to close within 8-4. It was in the final stanza where Team USA made their push posting four goals while holding the Hungarians to just one. However that one goal proved to be the difference maker as Hungary came away with the 9-8 win and their second victory over the Americans in this tourney.
Team USA had balanced scoring in this match getting two goals apiece from JP MacDonnell, Collin Mello, and Shea Buckner. Adding to that were solo scores from Zac Monsees and Matt Sagehorn. Jimmie Sandman went the distance in net halting 11 shots. The United States went a perfect 6/6 on player advantages while Hungary was 3/5. Team USA also converted their lone penalty shot, while Hungary did not have an attempt.
Looking back at the tournament the United States started things off with an 8-8 tie with Japan on July 2; defeated Poland, 16-3, July 3; fell to Hungary, 9-8, July 4; defeated Spain, 10-8, July 6 was topped by Australia, 8-4, July 8, defeated Italy 11-8 on July 10, and concluded with the 9-8 loss to Hungary earlier today.
Scoring:
USA 8 (2, 0, 2, 4) J. MacDonnell 2, C. Mello 2, S. Buckner 2, Z. Monsees 1, M. Sagehorn 1
HUN 9 (2, 5, 1, 1) M. Toth 3, M. Pasztor 2, E. Bundschuh 2, M. Kallay 1, G. Kovacs 1
Saves - USA - J. Sandman - 11 - HUN - A. Gardonyi 8, D. Biztritsanyi 2
6x5 - USA - 6/6 -- HUN - 3/5
Penalties - USA 1/1 -- HUN - 0/0
Boxscore
Mens' National Team