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Photo by Rena Laverty
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Brodie Ziemer (Hutchinson, Minn.) opened up the scoring in the second but remained Team USA's only goal as the U.S. National Under-17 Team fell to the Phantoms, 3-1, Friday night inside Covelli Centre.
In a riveting first period, both teams had no shortage of chances. Fast offense matched by strong defense put the game scoreless after 20 as Youngstown doubled up on Team USA's shots on goal.
Team USA was the first to strike in the second period, seven minutes in, off the tape of Brodie Ziemer (Hutchinson, Minn.). Ziemer made a breakout pass to Max Plante (Hermantown, Minn.) down the ice and maneuvered his way towards the boards. Plante found Ziemer who dashed down the ice into the slot and fired it home for the lead.
Youngstown was quick to tie things up though, as forward William Whitelaw cleaned up a rebound 1:05 later.
Youngstown took the lead prior to the end of the period as Jake Rozzi put one in front for Andon Cerbone who tipped it in with 1:12 to go.
Starting netminder Jack Parsons (Cortland, N.Y.) stood tall in net in the third and turned aside several chances by Youngstown to keep hopes of a comeback alive. However, while shorthanded, Youngstown forced a turnover in front of Team USA's crease and made it 3-1 with 6:26 left to play.
The U.S. upped the pressure in the final minutes of play to attempt to crawl back from their deficit, with chances coming while the net was empty, but couldn't convert to drop the game, 3-1.
Parsons stopped 34 shots for Team USA.
The Under-17 Team closes out the regular season tomorrow against the Phantoms. Team USA needs a win in regulation to secure the two seed in the USHL Clark Cup Playoffs and earn a first-round bye. Puck drop is slated for 7:00 p.m. ET and will be streamed live on FloHockey.