The game opened up with Donte Mickens (Tallahassee, Fla.) penalized for a long ball early in the first half. Lithuania snuck the penalty shot by Mickens for a goal taking an early 1-0 lead. One minute later, Lithuania gave Team USA the opportunity to even the score by committing a penalty. Lithuania's defense proved up to the challenge and successfully blocked Tyler Merren’s (Kalamazoo, Mich.) attempt to tie the game. On the very next play, Mickens was charged with a questionable highball and notwithstanding, Lithuania tucked their penalty throw past him in a corner of the goal, taking a 2-0 lead.  

Despite, the two penalties Team USA played solid defense in the first half, trailing 2-0. 

The game appeared to be looking up for Team USA in the second half when Merren penetrated Lithuania’s defense by scoring a goal bringing Team USA within a point. A few plays later, however Team USA lost grournd after Merren was unable to defend penalty throws for a highball and a longball. Shortly after, Steve Denuyl (Kalamazoo, Mich.) replaced Mickens and squeaked a throw into Lithuania's goal to close the gap to 4-2. Lithuania clinched the game late in the second half when Merren was charged with a highball, his third penalty of the day. Lithuania scored on the penalty throw and moments later the game concluded, with the Lithuanians taking the bronze medal with a 5-2 victory.

“While this game was certainly a disappointment, it also provided us great insight on exactly what we need to work on to be on the medal stand in Beijing next year—it was a great tournament", said National Team Coach Tom Parrigin.

For full results, go to http://sports.pressakey.net/china2007/.