USWNT Defeated by Argentina in FIH Hockey Pro League

HOBART, Australia – In their second game of the FIH Hockey Pro League mini-tournament at the Tasmania Hockey Centre in Hobart, Australia, the No. 15 U.S. Women’s National Team met Pan American rival No. 3 Argentina. Scoreless after the first quarter, Las Leonas tallied two in the second and a reassurance in the third on their way to a 3-0 victory.

"Today, was probably a game that was too far physically after five games and a days travel and Argentina came in fresher after just one match," said David Passmore, USWNT Head Coach. "That said, there were some pleasing periods and we created some opportunities without really dominating the game for long periods but basic errors cost us dearly."

In the opening minutes, Argentina started on the front foot as USA struggled to maintain possession. A lot of unforced turnovers out of the backfield gave Las Leonas looks on goal, but fortunately, they were not able to capitalize. Midway through the frame, the United Eagles settled in and created two circle penetrations but couldn’t find an outcome. In the final two minutes, after green cards were issued to both sides, Argentina earned a penalty corner but the attempt back to the inserter went over the endline to keep it scoreless.

Las Leonas started the second quarter testing USA goalkeeper Kelsey Bing (Houston, Texas), forcing her to make two glove saves on backhand shots. The persistence paid off in the 19th minute when Argentina converted on a penalty corner through Agustina Gorzelany to take the 1-0 lead. Immediately following, they almost doubled the score after earning another penalty corner, but first runner Amanda Golini (Randolph, N.J.) absorbed the high shot and won the free hit. Continuing to knock, Las Leonas extended the lead in the 23rd minute after Sofia Toccalino sent a long ball into the circle and Sofia Cairo touched it in. Play remained in Argentina’s control as the half closed at 2-0.

Continuing in their ways, Argentina maintained possession and earned a penalty corner just a minute in to the third quarter. The drag attempt was saved by Bing as she continued to be tested, fending off two more shots, along with Ashley Hoffman (Mohnton, Pa.) making a defensive save. With 5 minutes to go in the frame, USA generated some attack and saw their first look on goal. The play started with quick passing that led to Golini ripping a backfoot shot that was saved by Argentina goalkeeper Clara Barberi. With 40 seconds left in the quarter, Las Leonas added another to their lead off a penalty corner goal from Maria Granatto to make it 3-0.

To start the final quarter, USA substituted goalkeeper Jenny Rizzo (Hershey, Pa.) into the match. After an unsuccessful Argentina penalty corner, USA’s Emma DeBerdine (Millersville, Pa.) was issued a 5-minute yellow card, but the United Eagles continued to push forward looking to generate positive attacking. Unable to add one back, Las Leonas secured the 3-0 win.

Following the game, Argentina’s Agostina Alonso was named Player of the Match.

USA has a day rest before taking on No. 3 Australia on Saturday, March 4 at 3:10 a.m. ET. in their third FIH Hockey Pro league game of the mini-tournament in Hobart, Australia.

For more information regarding the FIH Hockey Pro League, visit the event page.

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