Alexandroupolis, Greece – January 17 – The USA Women lost a close contest to Italy 13-12 today in World Cup Division 1 action. Maryn Dempsey powered the offense with six goals as Amanda Longan recorded eight saves. Team USA returns to the water tomorrow at 8:00am et/5:00am pt against Israel. The match will stream LIVE on Recast PPV with LIVE statistics courtesy of World Aquatics.
At the start of this game, Italy scored three of the first four goals – with the first for Team USA coming from Dempsey on a power play. It was then that Jovana Sekulic (2), Maggie Ryan, and Malia Allen scored in quick succession to push the United States up 5-3 after one. The Italians struck first in the second period before Charlotte Raisin, Dempsey (2), and Chrissy Flynn extended the American lead to 9-4 at the half.
In the third quarter, each side managed three scores. After a pair of Italian goals, Dempsey began a run of three straight goals for Team USA and the score was 12-7 for the United States after three quarters. The fourth period is where the Americans lost control as Italy strung together six goals and took the lead with 0:17 to play. In the final possession of the game, Sekulic had a chance on goal but her shot was blocked and the Italians came away with the win, 13-12.
The United States went 4/7 on power plays and 3/3 on penalties while Italy went 6/18 on power plays and 2/2 on penalties.
Scoring – Stats
USA 12 (5, 4, 3, 0) M. Dempsey 6, J. Sekulic 2, M. Allen 1, C. Flynn 1, C. Raisin 1, M. Ryan 1
ITA 13 (3, 1, 3, 6) D. Bettini 5, S. Giustini 2, M. Leone 2, A. Cocchiere 1, B. Cassara 1, L. Cergol 1, C. Ranalli 1
Saves: USA – A. Longan 8 – ITA – G. Condorelli 2, O. Sesena 2
6×5: USA – 4/7 – ITA – 6/18
Penalties: USA – 3/3 – ITA – 2/2
