The U.S. National Team played it's second of three warm-up games today against Jönköping BK in front of 450 fans in Jönköping Sweden, on a windy, frigid night. In a tightly contested match, Jönköping clipped the U.S. by a final score of 5-4.

The American's started well, posting a 2-0 lead over Jönköping on corner stroke goals from John Arundel at the 8:25 mark of the first half, and Evan Richardson a little over a minute later. Jönköping finally awoke and scored four straight goals to take a 4-2 lead into the halftime break.

"The wind was a big factor in this one. Jönköping scored four with the wind in the first half, and we benefitted from it in the second. Oscar (Henriksson) used the wind well in scoring his two goals. He's got a hell of a shot to begin with, and the wind just bolstered that. We got the wind at our backs in the second, and that's when we started to come back" said former Jönköping, and current U.S. team Fullback Dave Plaunt. "In a sport that's usually played outdoors, you have to know how to use the weather to your advantage" Plaunt added.

Down by two to start the second half, the U.S. came out strong, and tied the game on goals by Daren Richardson and Mike Hosfield. Richardson's goal came on a penalty stroke, while Hosfield's goal came on an amazing mid air volley shot to tie the score with just over eight minutes remaining. Unfortunately for the United States, Jönköping would get the game winner on a corner stroke just two minutes later, finishing off a very entertaining match.

Said Brent Palmer of the game, "Really good match, lot's of fun. Unfortunately we gave one up late, but we played well. Hopefully we can take down Nassjö". David Plaunt, who played the 2008-2009 season with Jönköping BK, added "Very exciting match. It was a back and forth game right down to the very end. It was great to see and play against my old teammates"

Despite the loss, the U.S. was pleased with their play once again, and competed well against one of the top All-Svenskan teams in Sweden. Keseley was selected as the Player of the Match for the U.S. for his numerous end to end rushes. In the nets, Goalkeeper Erik Kraska was sensational, stopping two breakaways and several difficult shots. Veteran Co-Captain Rick Haney was also a key player on defense, taking down several dangerous long balls and playing hard nosed at the Sweeper position. 

The U.S. will close out their pre tournament schedule with a tilt against Nässjö IF Tuesday in Nässjö.

**Photo Courtesy of Josefine Nilsson via Jönköping Bandy IF Facebook page.