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Germany drubs U.S. in water polo

Americans fall to 0-3

by Martin Dale-Hench on September 8, 2009

The Germans lived up to their reputation of being physical, whitewashing the United States by 19 while committing nine checkouts — or fouls — to the Americans' four. Utility Scott Madsen, in the two-meter slot, endured the brunt of the Germans' devil-may-care play. "They were gunning for me after the second quarter," Madsen said, "when they realized I did most of the defense in front of the goal." The Americans were unable to answer the Germans' tenacity, as their energy slowly eroded under the Germans' physicality. The U.S. started the game aggressively, throwing balls on target and quickly, assistant coach Christy Burke said, but only one of them went in, with the goalkeeper stopping five. Sean Jackson scored during a man-up advantage when a German was in the penalty bin. The U.S. was down 7-1 after one quarter and 11-2 at halftime. From there, the Americans became increasingly careless with their passes and offense, visibly worn out from clashing with the opponents. "What hurt us the most was the bad passes," Burke said. "And we did not inflict enough pressure on their five-meter defense." Roberto Garcia tried to counter the roughness, but he was ejected with three checkouts when four minutes remained in the game. The Americans played without a sub with Garcia out. A German player also was ejected, mainly the work of Jackson's drawing five checkouts from them. Despite nine checkouts by Germany, the United States did not take advantage. "We failed to convert the man-up chances," Jackson said. The U.S. made only two man-up goals, with Stetson McBririe darting one in during the second quarter, assisted by Garcia. Jackson scored the third goal on a five-meter, or a penalty shot, with 10 seconds left. The defense did a better job than the previous two games, Jackson said. "Our goal today was to hold them under 20 goals," he said. "22 goals, that's not too bad. We've improved." The U.S. still is in contention for the medal round. Ireland lost its second match against Hungary, 14-8. If the U.S. beats Ireland tomorrow, and Ireland loses against Germany, the U.S. and Ireland would have the same 1-3 record, and the Americans would advance by way of head-to-head match.
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