Royalty in the House 7/31/12

 Over the past two days, I have stressed to the guys the importance of staying mentally focused on the next game.  Game one in the Olympic Games is always so emotional and draining.  We put a lot on the line vs. Montenegro and I was afraid that we had spent a great deal of emotional and physical energy in that first game victory.  In my mind, I was thinking back to 1988, my team had beaten Yugoslavia  - the reigning World Champion and reigning Olympic Champion - in our first game.  In game # 2 we came back to play Spain, a team that we had beaten 16 -6 just a month before the Olympic Games, and lost 9 - 7.  We had also spent a good deal of energy against Yugoslavia and then had come back thinking that Spain was to be an easier match.  This is one of the biggest mistakes that any athlete can make.  When we think that our opponent is “easy”, we get into big trouble.  It’s amazing to me that, this occurs even at the highest level in sports.  Also, it is incredible how being just a little off mentally makes such a big difference.  I was a bit concerned that we were heading into a similar situation.  Montenegro is a medal contender and Romania is not supposed to be as good.  I tried to emphasize this point to the guys - “we have to go out and prove ourselves again today,   we can not take Romania lightly.”

Even during warm-ups, I sensed a different energy.  We seemed a little flat and sure enough as the game vs. Romania began we just did not have that same swagger. We were struggling.  Romania was playing very physical and we seemed to be back on our heels.  After being down at one point 5 - 3, we began to get ourselves into the game.  Down 5 - 4 at the half, we jumped on Romania and scored three unanswered goals.  Merrill Moses came on strong in the second half and recorded 12 saves by the end of the game.  He is an emotionally charged goalie and when he makes a couple of good saves the entire defense comes alive.  We also had some great leadership in the water by some of our veteran players who kept their focus and really helped to get us back on track in the water.  Adam Wright has been punched, kicked and head butted during the last two games.  He actually had a dislocated tooth in game one that had to be reset and cemented in place.  He played last night with a mouth guard and once again had a great game.  Winning this type of game takes a team effort and every player deserves recognition.  Peter Varellas and Ryan Bailey each had three goals, Adam Wright had two, John Mann and Layne Beaubien added one and we came out on top 10 - 8.  The game was really won by our defense.  In the second half, Romania became very frustrated because our defense came alive.  Our five man defense (when the other team has a 6 on 5 advantage) was excellent in the second half.  After giving up 4 power plays goals in the first half - we gave up just one in the second half.  This was a highlight of the game for me.  When it comes down to the medal games - five man defense is going to be a huge factor in who wins. 

Two games - two wins.  We are positioning ourselves nicely in bracket play.  The top four teams advance to the quarter-finals next week, with first place in the A bracket playing fourth place in the B bracket.  Second in A plays third in B and so on.  There are already some interesting results coming in.  Hungary which has won the last three Olympic gold medals has started this tournament with two loses.  They lost to Serbia in game one and then yesterday lost to Montenegro 11 -10.  Only three teams are 2 - 0 at this point - USA, Serbia and Croatia. 

Last night Prince William was in the “house” watching our game.  I did not see him but was told after the game that he was sitting up in the stands with a t-shirt and a baseball cap. From what I have been told, Prince William was a pretty good water polo player himself so perhaps we have a good fan. Lori and the girls saw him and took a few pictures.  The girls are having a wonderful time.  They have been all dressed up in their red, white and blue cheering on Team USA.  It is nice to have them here with me to share in the Olympic experience. 

Earlier in the week, I was able to get the girls into the village on a day pass.  I gave them a good tour and at the end of the day we were all treated by a visit by the Queen.  I had no idea that this was happening but the girls visit coincided with the Queen’s.  Another special memory that we all will be able to share together.

Today, we are having a light training and then giving the team the afternoon off to spend with their families.  This will be one of the only breaks that they will have over the next ten days and I feel that it is very important to let their minds and bodies rest and enjoy the company of their families. I will enjoy the day with mine too.  We will get back to work on Thursday morning with a meeting and training and then in the evening we will play Great Britain. Although the Brits are currently 0 - 2 we will have to be mentally prepared to come out and battle. After a good lesson yesterday, I believe that we will be ready to play at a high level. 

See you at the pool.

Coach