Beach Diaries, Masters (Eikstadt) 8/23/11
Ricky Eikstadt
Posted: August 23, 2011 11:35 AM
Merito specifico! I don’t speak Italian, but it was worth looking up how to translate ‘individual excellence.’ In the USA Masters 13-5 victory, few better Italian phrases come to mind. In addition to great teamwork and selfless offensive and defensive play, Kelly Swiryn single-handedly dominated the Canadian team en route to a runaway victory in front of several hundred Italian fans on Tuesday night. It is rare that a player brings his teammates and the fans out of their seats, but Kelly Swiryn created goals and amazing blocks that led to a lop-sided showcase game victory for team USA. On the second point of the game, Kelly set the tone with an interception of the centering pass and finished the play with a goal score. Team USA was invigorated and ready to roll! This was just the beginning…
Later in the game Kelly made a catch block “D” that led to another book end goal. Combined with a consistent and unbreakable Team USA offensive, the game’s outcome was certain. It may sound overstated, but his play was just that good. Check out the broadcast replay at: wcbu2011.org sometime this week.
Team USA is looking forward to great competition from many other teams including Great Britain and Austria in the days to come. We hope to continue to play well and represent USA Ultimate and Ultimate in North America.
Team USA Beach Diaries
Some members of Team USA will be submitting diary entries during the event to keep everyone posted on their experience in Italy.