USA prove too strong in final pool game

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USA ran out comfortable 19-2 winners in a dead rubber pool game over England as both sides now prepare for the placing games.

England took the lead after five minutes but from then on, the US delivered a ruthless display at both ends of the field to finish 5-0 for the pool stage.

With nothing riding on the game for England, the team used it as an opportunity to spread the minutes around the squad ahead of the placement games starting today.

England started the game fairly strong, a couple of good early saves from Hal Dwobeng and resulting quick transition led to some early chances with Josh Hurry having a couple of efforts out from defence.

And it was England who would take the lead, Josh Sherry-Brennan twisting and turning behind goal and getting the run on his man to come around the crease and put his side ahead.

The US would come back strong with goals from Ryan Brown, Tom Schreiber and John Haus but the defence was doing a solid job of stifling a prolific attack and went into ¼ time at 1-3.

USA then looked to press the advantage in the second, scoring another four unanswered goals, and while the defence was still competitive, it became more of a struggle to get settled ball on offense against an aggressive defence and the teams went in at 1-7 at the half.

There was no let up after the break with 17 shots against in the third, and despite Dwobeng’s six saves in Q3, USA added another six to the score line until just before time Sherry-Brennan broke the run.

A ball from behind passed by its intended cutter but Sherry-Brennan managed to pick up on it, split-fake his defender to create the space and finish beyond Galloway for 2-13 at the ¾ time.

USA finished up with another six in the final quarter as the game drew to a close, Marcus Holman ending with 5G and Ryan Brown 4G, and despite an impressive 14 saves for Dwobeng in total, USA ran out 2-19 winners.

England finish pool play (1-4) and move into the 5-8th play-off bracket, starting with a match-up against Ireland today at 4.45pm UK Time.

England Points: Josh Sherry-Brennan (2,0)

USA Points: Marcus Holman (5,0), Ryan Brown (4,0), Ned Crotty (2,2), John Haus (3,0), Matt Danowski (0,3), Drew Snider (2,0), Rob Pannell (1,1), Jordan Wolf (0,2), Greg Gurenlian (1,0), Kevin Unterstein (0,1)