RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, November 4. THE USA Men's Senior National Team has booked their ticket to the 2007 World Championships in Melbourne by defeating Colombia, 17-4. U.S. had done so in a pretty dominating fashion by only allowing 14 goals to date. The top two finishers from the tournament receive an invitation to the World Championships in March.
"I am very proud of the team," said USA Head Coach Ricardo Azevedo. "We have accomplished what we came down here to do and that was to qualify for World Championships… Now it is time to start preparing for World Championships."
Team USA was led in scoring by Ryan Bailey with three goals. Eight of Bailey's teammates also cashed in with goals of their own. All four goals scored by Colombia were scored by the same two men.
Colombia fought extremely hard, but just could not match the fire power of the U.S. Team USA notched 11 goals in the first two periods, while Colombia managed only 3 goals. The second half was much like that of the first half for the U.S. leading the way with strong defense and good counter attacks. USA was 6 of 11 on counters, while Colombia was 0 for 1. Genai Kerr and Merrill Moses combined for 10 saves while splitting time in the net for USA.
The U.S. will play for the 2006 ASUA Cup title Sunday, November 5 at 6:30 a.m. PST. They will face the winner of Canada versus Brazil.
SCORING BY QUARTER:
USA 4 7 3 3 – 17
COL 1 2 0 1 – 4
INDIVIDUAL SCORING FOR USA:
Barry – 2
Buckner – 2
Alexander – 2
Hausman – 2
Witt – 1
Bailey – 3
Hopkins – 2
Beaubien – 2
Dornin – 1
INDIVIUAL SCORING FOR COL:
Montoya 2
Hernandez 2
SAVES:
USA G. Kerr – 6/ M. Moses – 4
COL Ochoa – 9
Ochoa 9
6 ON 5'S
USA -6 FOR 11 / 1 for 1 on 5M
COL 0 FOR 2