USWNT Falls to India in Second Match of FIH Hockey5s World Cup

MUSCAT, Oman – The U.S. Women’s National Team took on India in their second match in the opening day of the FIH Hockey5 World Cup in Muscat, Oman. After taking a 2-0 lead at the break, USA was unable to hold off a flurry of goals from India, eventually falling 7-3.

“We delivered a strong and connected first half performance,” said Rachel Dawson, Hockey5s USWNT Head Coach. “Yet the momentum of the game changed drastically from the first half to the second today. There are key learnings to mine from this experience and Tomorrow’s game is an opportunity to implement them.”

India started off possessing the ball, with USA having a few small sparks, which included several steals from Linnea Gonzales (Bel Air, Md.). Finally, USA capitalized on one of those steals when Cassie Sumfest (Lewisburg, Pa.) sent a backhand into the net, giving them the 1-0 lead at the 4-minute mark.

Robles was tested in the next minute, keeping USA’s lead, and did brilliantly again throughout the half. Bethany Dykema (Newport News, Va.) and Sumfest worked around the back again, looking for another opportunity. India followed up with pressure, getting another good look in the 8th minute that Robles cleared.

Lora Clarke (Shaker Heights, Ohio) took a shot in the 13th minute, followed by another chance from Gonzales that was saved by India’s goalkeeper. It was just one minute left in the half when Gonzales pushed in Clarke’s rebound, putting USA up 2-0. Robles continued to perform in cage, making one final save as the clock wound down. 

While it was USA who was dominant in the first half, India flipped a switch to take control in the second. Right from the start, the India attack showed an increased pace, forcing Robles to continue making saves. At minute 17, India was awarded a challenge, and were finally able to get past Robles, bringing the score to a tight 2-1 in favor of USA.

Sumfest answered right back, restoring USA’s two goal lead with a blast of a forehand shot. Despite the effort, the challenge goal had given India the catalyst they needed to open up their offense. Down 3-1 at minute 20, Mariana Kujur scored the first of what would be India’s six unanswered goals with a tip in front of the cage. Kujur tallied again at the 22-minute mark to tie up the match at 3-3. India’s Deepika knocked in the game-winner not long after, as India led USA 4-3. Three more goals in the final five minutes of the match from a strong India offense gave India a 7-3 win.

Next, USA plays Poland in their final pool play match at 4:50 a.m. ET on Thursday, January 25.

For more information regarding the FIH Hockey5s World Cup Oman, visit the event page.

All photographs appearing on this site are property of USA Field Hockey/World Sport Pics. They are protected by the U.S. Copyright Laws, and are not to be downloaded, reproduced or used in any way without written permission of USA Field Hockey/World Sport Pics.

If you are a college SID, club coach, sponsor or media outlet, email communications@usafieldhockey.com.