U-S-A! U-S-A!

The big game between the United States and the Soviet Union occurred the night of February 22, 1980. The game had sold out with thousands of American fans who screamed the famous chant, “U.S.A! U.S.A!” throughout the game, which is how the chant originated. Before the game, Herb Brooks said how he is, “Sick and tired of hearin’ about what a great hockey team the Soviets have.” Much of this rivalry comes from him being in the 1960’s Olympic Games where the Americans got the gold medal; however, Brook’s was cut the week before that game. When the Americans went out there the crowd went crazy. There was a full house there all cheering on the team that seemed like there was no hope for a victory. The Soviets scored first in this game, scoring only a few minutes into the first period, but the Americans were quick to score, with Buzz Schneider scoring their first goal. After the Soviets scored again, Mark Johnson scored at the buzzer of the first period for a 2-2 tie, and this goal prompted the Soviet coach to replace his goalie, Vladislov Tretiak (considered to be the best goalie in the world) with his backup, Vladimir Myshkin. The Soviet Union scored once in the second period, and going into the third and final period, the Soviets led by one goal. The United States scored twice in the first ten minutes of the period with goals from Mark Johnson and Mike Eurozione to take a 4-3 lead. There were still ten minutes in the game, and goalie Jim Craig made numerous saves from Soviet shots during this time, and the United States won this game 4-3. With only five seconds remaining, American broadcaster Al Micheals made the famous quote, “Do you believe in Miracles…Yes!” The American’s had done it. Brook’s had done it. Many of the people who put him as head coach doubted him but he persevered and brought this team all the way to the gold medal match. The United States went on to win the gold medal two days later by defeating Finland 4-2.