January 27, 2010 - Moscow, Russia - Once again, the USA Men's Bandy team went into the locker room at halftime Tuesday in a tight game.  And like their two previous games, they left the ice at the end of the game beaten convincingly, this time at the hands of the Finnish National squad.  

Coming off a solid game against Sweden, the US had hoped to keep things moving in a positive direction as they squared off against Finland at Krylatskoe Stadium.  Oddly enough, the game started off identical to their two previous matches against Norway and Sweden. As in those two matches, the US spotted their opponents an early goal before Daren Richardson responded with the equalizer shortly thereafter.  And as in previous days, the US would give up the next goal, and another yet, before John Arundel would score to bring the US back to within a goal just before the half.  Richardson's goal  came on a penalty stroke, and Arundel tallied on a corner stroke just before the end of the first half.  Team USA had a chance to go into the locker room tied with Finland at the half, but Richardson could not convert on a penalty shot in the thirty eighth minute, just missing the net high and wide.  Hanging close at the half only makes team confidence grow, and the Americans took the ice in the second half believing that they had a legitimate chance at finally winning their first game of the tournament.  They had played a good game against Sweden the night before, and had spent the the previous evening replenishing fluids back at the hotel, and caring for bruised and battered bodies.  They had come into today's game feeling like a team on a bit of a roll, and now they had a very good Finnish team right where they wanted them.  But things went downhill shortly after the squad took the ice in the second half.  In a one sided forty five minutes, the Fins would shut down the American offense, while netting ten goals of their own to erase any doubt that they would indeed win this game.


After picking up only one penalty in the previous days match, the US took four in this one, but were outdone by the Fins who took a total of seven penalties.   Another blow to the team was the loss of Goalkeeper Robb Stauber.  After impressive play early on against team Sweden, he injured his shoulder, and was lost for the game, and possibly the tournament.  Team Doctors are not sure of the severity of the injury at this juncture, but continue to monitor his progress.  In the meantime, Steve  "Praying Mantis" Jecha takes over as the loan goalkeeper for the team.  In Jecha, the team takes comfort in the fact that they have a seasoned and confident goalkeeper, with plenty of experience in World Championship play.  

The U.S. will play Russia in their next match of the 2010 VM.  Follow the games at:  http://bandy2010.ru/

~ Thom Wynn