U.S. Paralympic National Team loses to Great Britain 3-1 in seventh-place match
The U.S. Paralympic National Team fell 3-1 against Great Britain in the seventh-place match at the 2012 Paralympics at Riverbank Arena on Sunday.
Midfielder Rene Renteria gave the U.S. its first lead of the tournament with a goal in the 20th minute, but host Great Britain knotted the score at 1-1 just nine minutes later on a goal by captain Michael Baker in the 29th minute.
The USA was able to hold on and send the match into extra time as goalkeeper Keith Johnson finished with 16 saves in the match and closed the tournament with 53 total saves.
Great Britain was able to earn the win in extra time, however, as Ibz Diallo and George Fletcher scored in the 70th and 74th minutes, respectively. The U.S. closed out the 2012 London Paralympics in eighth place overall, while Great Britain finished in seventh.
Russia defeated reigning champion Ukraine 1-0 in the gold medal match while Iran beat Brazil 5-0 to earn the bronze medal.
Renteria and Marthell Vazquez played every minute of the tournament for the U.S., while team captain Josh McKinney played all but two minutes for the team.
-U.S. Paralympic National Team Match Report-
Match: U.S. Paralympic National Team vs. Great Britain
Date: Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012
Competition: 2012 London Paralympics; Seventh-place match
Venue: Riverbank Arena; London, England
Attendance: 10,561
Scoring Summary: 1 2 ET F
USA 1 0 0 1
GBR 1 0 2 3
USA – Rene Renteria 20th minute
GBR – Michael Barker 29
GBR – Ibz Diallo 70
GBR – George Fletcher 74
Lineups:
USA: 1-Keith Johnson; 4-Chad Jones, 5-Bryce Boarman (7-Adam Ballou, 71), 6-Chris Ahrens (11-Tyler Bennett, 73); 8-Rene Renteria, 9-Josh McKinney (capt.); 10-Marthell Vazquez
Subs not used: 12-Alex Hendricks, 2-Gavin Sibayan, 3-Jerreme Wade
Head Coach: Jay Hoffman
GBR: 13-Billy Thompson; 2-Blair Glynn, 6-Alistair Patrick-Heselton (4-Matt Dimbylow, 30); 7-Michael Barker (capt.), 8-Martin Sinclair (5-James Richmond, 52) (10-Jonny Paterson, 70+1); 9-George Fletcher, 11-Ibz Diallo
Subs not used: 1-Craig Connell, 3-Matthew Ellis
Head Coach: Lyndon Lynch
Stats Summary: USA / GBR
Shots: 14 / 45
Shots on Goal: 5 / 19
Saves: 16 / 4
Corner Kicks: 6 / 11
Fouls: 12 / 11
Misconduct Summary:
USA – Marthell Vazquez (caution) 46th minute
USA – Keith Johnson (caution) 65
Officials:
Referee: Barry Huizinga (NED)
Assistant Referee 1: Garry Polkey (GBR)
Assistant Referee 2: Hayley Ives (GBR)
Fourth Official: Alex Kirkley (GBR)
