U.S. Men’s Curling Defeats Defending Gold Medalists in Surreal Victory

Team USA’s men’s curling team achieved a remarkable victory against Sweden, the defending Olympic gold medalists, at the Milan Cortina Games. This event took place on Sunday morning and ended with an 8-5 score, improving Team USA’s record to 3-2 in the tournament.

Surprising Victory Over Sweden

Ben Richardson, a member of Team USA, described the experience as surreal. The youngest men’s curling squad in the tournament, with all players under 27, showcased impressive confidence against a more experienced Swedish team.

Game Highlights

• USA took the lead in the fourth end after a mistake by Swedish skip Niklas Edin.
• Team USA capitalized on Edin’s uncharacteristic miss, allowing them to score three points, leading 4-2.
• They extended their advantage in the sixth and seventh ends, showcasing strategic calls and exceptional shots.
• Lucas Violette contributed significantly, scoring 13 takeouts, while Richardson capped off the match with his 14th takeout.
• Despite Sweden’s effort to rally with two points in the eighth end, they couldn’t keep pace with the U.S.

Richardson expressed pride in the team’s performance, stating, “We took advantage of a couple misses and were able to execute when it really mattered.” The victory reflects not only their skills but also their determination to compete at a high level.

Sweden’s Struggles

Sweden, the 2022 world champions, struggled significantly throughout the match. Oskar Eriksson noted that they were unable to figure out the ice conditions, indicating a challenging performance with a record of 1-4 in the tournament.

The Path Ahead

As of Monday morning, Team USA stands fifth in the tournament standings, with hopes of reaching the semifinals. The top four teams will advance, and Team USA’s next challenge is against Norway at 1:05 p.m. ET.

Richardson emphasized the importance of gradual improvement with each game: “I think we’re getting a better handle on the ice and are able to judge rocks pretty well.” This strategic mindset could prove crucial as they continue their quest for success at the Milan Cortina Games.

Scoreboard Summary

With their newfound confidence, Team USA looks optimistically toward the remainder of the competition. The victory over Sweden marks a significant moment in their Olympic journey.