USA v. Hungary

An improbable, inspirational, and nearly magical tournament is over. The US was overmatched and overwhelmed despite remaining within four goals of the winner of three consecutive Olympic gold medals. Karma, mojo, whatever you want to call it, ran out in crashing fashion.

Merrill Moses had his worst game of the tournament, largely unaided by any of the quick, opportunistic defense that marked the Americans’ greatest successes during the Games. Instead, the US had no defensive answer to either the spot-on shooting or two-meter play of the champions. Hungary drew 10 ejections and converted 7 of them, a ratio difficult to overcome for the most seasoned of teams, let alone the upstart. The defense, and the team overall, was overwhelmed – yet still made the game competitive until the fourth quarter with some beautiful center play and daring shooting of its own. The scare was enough to force Hungary to replace its goalie; the backup Gergeley started but played poorly, and was replaced by Scezsci. After that the Hungarians found it increasingly easy to thwart the diminishing US attack, and the victory was basically a forgone conclusion early in the fouth quarter.

Hungary deserved its victory. And the US has made history.

Game notes to follow soon below.

Quarter 1

• US driving could make a big difference. that and rotating its 2 m players.
• JW draws the penalty and Tony converts. He’s back shooting penalties. Love the rotating centers for the US. Versatility!
• Gorgeous wrap around goal from Hungary. The fans continue that great singing.
• Backhand from bailey! 2m play is on our side. Defense will be skittish.
• Big time counter attack goal for Biros, 5-4.
• 6 goals given up at the end of Q1. Will the defense compose itself?

Quarter 2

• They slough off Jessie at point, he fires and scores 7 meters
• Kiss with a curve lob. Beauty. 8-6
• US keeps earning ejections (Powers this time). Could be a big factor. And Gergely is not playing well. Wow, he’s subbed!
• Where are the field blocks?
• Retribution lob shot from tony! Gorgeous.
• 3rd dump of the game already.
• DEADLY goal given up at very end of the half. Extremely big defensive breakdown. Could have been tied. 9-8, Hungary.
• Biros is getting taped like for a hammy or charlie horse…something.
• Only one save for Merrill, 2 for the Hungarians.

Quarter 3

• “No fear! You gotta believe! Let’s do it!” at the sprint.
• Beaubien again scores man up from 1 position.
• (US basketball just wins the gold).
• Brandon Brooks is warming up.
• Why the jeering for the US offense? Is it “normal” for European fans to do it? Is it anti-US in these games? I’ve been to many international games and don’t recall ever seeing it this regularly.
• Another Hungarian counterattack goal after US offensive. Merrill is out.
• Brooks saves another back door attempt. A good omen?
• Quarter over, 11-9.
• The defensive breakdowns like on counter attack will be hard to overcome. Hungarians shooting better than any prior opponent. No field blocks. So far, not good goalie play from US. Will Brandon stabilize?

Quarter 4

• Hungary scores too easily, from wing even up.
• US can’t convert. They appear to be overmatched. Each turnover on offense saps their will.
• The shots won’t go in any more. Lefty underhand from 6 position blocked.
• Hungary scores. 14-9 with 2.16 left. It’s over. the shooting is just too deadly.
• Moses on the bench forlorn.
• Jessie scores with 1.28.
• The clock expires.