The United States began their three-game series against Italy with a narrow 12-11 victory in Berkeley, surviving a dramatic final-quarter comeback from the visitors.
Max Irving, back in the Team USA line-up, and Ryan Ohl both scored hat-tricks, while Chase Dodd added two as the Americans built what looked to be a comfortable lead heading into the final period.
Italy struck first, but Dodd quickly levelled before Irving’s powerful finish made it 2-2 at the end of the opening quarter. The second period belonged to the hosts, with Ben Liechty, Irving and Ohl all finding the net as the USA moved into a 6-3 half-time advantage.
The Americans stretched their lead further in the third. Marko Vavic converted from the penalty line, Ohl twice fired in, and Irving completed his hat-trick as Team USA surged into a 10-4 lead.
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But Italy refused to go quietly. A brutality call against Vavic early in the fourth left the USA playing four minutes a man down, and the Azzurri punished them ruthlessly. Five unanswered goals brought Italy back to within one, setting up a tense finish.
With the momentum turning, Nicolas Saveljic delivered a crucial goal to halt the Italian run. Italy responded again, but Peter Castillo produced the decisive moment from centre, turning strongly before finishing over the goalkeeper to secure the win.
Italy scored once more in the closing seconds, but the USA held on to claim the opener.
The two sides meet again on Friday, July 10, at the University of the Pacific, where the match will also include a retirement celebration for Olympic bronze medallist Alex Obert. The game will be streamed live on Overnght.
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