Irvine, CA - January 10 - The U.S. Men's Senior National Team defeated Australia, 17-9, tonight to begin a two-game series between the two countries. Ryder Dodd led Team USA with five goals scored and Marko Vavic added three while Adrian Weinberg recorded 13 saves in net. The squads will meet again tomorrow afternoon at Mt. San Antonio College at 1pm pt to conclude the series. Tickets for the game are still available and live streaming will be on Overnght with live stats on 6-8 Sports.
Team USA got off to a hot start and never looked back. Ryder Dodd and Ryan Ohl put up the first two goals of the game before an Australian answer from five meters, however, that would be all for the Aussies in the quarter. Dominic Brown, Vavic, and Dylan Woodhead scored three consecutive goals to push the American lead to 5-1 after one.
The United States continued its scoring on the opening possession of the second period when Vavic ripped a backhand into the back of the net. Ryder Dodd and Ben Liechty followed with a pair of goals to force an Australian timeout. The visitors were able to score out of the timeout off a set play, and put another goal away late in the period, but Chase Dodd and Ryder Dodd each connected in the final minute with Ryder beating the halftime buzzer for a 10-3 edge at the break.
The third quarter began with a pair of counter attack striked from Chase Dodd and Max Irving before the Aussies scored on a man advantage midway through the frame. Vavic and Bode Brinkema responded with two quick scores for Team USA prior to another Australian goal to stem the tide. The Americans earned an exclusion late and unselfish passing led to a wide open goal for Peter Castillo to make the score 15-5 with one quarter to play.
An opening fourth period goal from the visitors was answered by Ryder Dodd on the other end before three quick Aussie scores. The sudden offense was not enough to catch Team USA who got one more goal from Ryder Dodd at the end to claim a 17-9 victory on home soil.
Scoring - Stats
USA 17 (5, 5, 5, 2) R. Dodd 5, M. Vavic 3, C. Dodd 2, M. Irving 1, B. Brinkema 1, D. Brown 1, P. Castillo 1, B. Liechty 1, R. Ohl 1, D. Woodhead 1
AUS 9 (1, 2, 2, 4) M. Berehulak 4, J. Mercep 2, M. Byrnes 1, L. Pavillard 1, T. Putt 1
Saves - USA - A. Weinberg 13, C. Mills 3 - AUS - N. Porter 5
6x5 - USA - 5/11 - AUS - 3/10
Penalties - USA - 1/1 - AUS - 1/3
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