Under Stone’s direction, the United States proved to be the tournament’s dominant force from the very start, netting 12 goals against Russia and 13 against Japan to open the competition. Next was Switzerland—the only country to resist a shutout. The U.S. bounced back in following game, shutting out Canada, 4-0.

“We were all raring to go for the Canada game,” Dempsey said. “It was my first time playing the Canadian National Team, and it’s really exciting to be playing against their top players.”

Team USA and Canada coaches arranged another meeting between the two countries to provide more experience playing at the top level.

“The second game was a tough one because they were playing really physical—they came hard right back the next day,” said Pucci, whose squad fell in the exhibition.

Tired from the match with Canada, the U.S. edged out Sweden, 2-0, and rounded off the tournament with a 6-0 win over the host, Finland.

The Crimson players returned to Harvard a couple days late and jetlagged, but, according to Dempsey, it was well worth it.

“Every single game you had the honor of wearing the USA jersey,” Dempsey said. “You get to represent your team and country.”