Ericka Lorenz opened up the game with an outside shot at 5:06. Agnes Primasz of Hungary soon returned the goal, converting on their first 6 on 5 advantage. With a 60.3 km/h riffle from 5M, Natalie Golda brought the U.S. up one at 3:13.
Lauren Wenger helped push USA to a three goal lead, opening the second period with two consecutive goals. Hungary tried to close the gap, converting another 6 on 5 at 6:55 and scoring from the 2M at 4:10. Patty Cardenas seized an opportunity to increase the U.S.'s advantage and lobbed in a shot from outside. Wenger closed the quarter with her third goal in the final seconds (.44) of the period (6-3).
The second half of the match was just as action packed as the first. Moriah van Norman delivered a beautiful center lob past Hungarian goalkeeper Henrietta Bravik to advance the U.S. 7-3. Determined to keep them in the game, Hungary's leading goalscorer, Agnes Primasz, converted back to back 6 on 5 goals, to again bring Hungary within three of the United States.
Unable to stop Hungary on their man up advantages, USA found itself in an 8-8 tie at the end of regulation. The pressure continued to build in overtime as Hungary opened up the scoring in the first three minute quarter. Natalie Golda then lodged a beautiful 7M shot past the powerful Hungarian defense to once again tie the game 9-9. U.S. all-around player, Lauren Wenger sealed the deal for Team USA with her fourth goal for the night, a center shot into the goal at 2:22. USA was able to hold Hungary with their great defense and Betsey Armstrong put the final punctuation on the evening, saving Hungary’s last second shot by captain Mercedes Stieber.
Team USA now advances to the finals, where they will challenge 2006 World Cup champion Australia in front of their home town fans. This will be the third consecutive appearance for Team USA in a World Championship gold medal round. While the two friendly rivals have gone head to head in several international events, this will be the first time USA and Australia have vied each other in the finals of a World Championship. In 2003, USA defeated Italy to claim the Championship title. In their 2005 match up against Hungary, USA returned with the silver medal.
About USA Water Polo: USA Water Polo, Inc. is a non-profit corporation organized for the purpose to serve as the national governing body for the sport of water polo in the United States under the auspices of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). For more information please visit www.usawaterpolo.com.
