USWNT Misses Out on FIH Hockey5s World Cup Quarterfinals After Loss to Poland

MUSCAT, Oman – The U.S. Women’s National Team faced Poland in their final pool play match of the FIH Hockey5s World Cup in Muscat, Oman. The red, white and blue missed out on advancing to the quarterfinals after falling 5-1 to their opponent.

USA started off the match with patient defense against Poland, and three minutes in there were still no good looks for either team. Poland took some time passing in their backfield, then finally sent the ball up to put pressure on USA’s cage. With the tension broken, USA pressed up, as Lora Clarke (Shaker Heights, Ohio) tried but was unable to retain possession.

Soon after, Poland had an attacker break away and send a hard shot that was blocked by Kealsie Robles (Yorktown, Va.). Then, at 7 minutes, Julia Kucharska made it 1-0 for Poland. Daria Skoraszewska quickly doubled Poland’s lead, putting in a rebound just one minute later. Playing frantic defense, USA was able to keep Poland’s attack out for the next few minutes, then settle back into the flow of play.

Linnea Gonzales (Bel Air, Md.) put in effort in the center of the field to get the ball up to Charlotte de Vries (Malvern, Pa.), but they were unable to convert any chances on cage. The first challenge of the match was awarded in favor of USA at minute 14, which was taken by Gonzales, who finished it with a lift. The score was 2-1 in favor of Poland heading into halftime.

Poland was on board again early in the second half, nailing in a direct forehand shot in the first minute. Fighting a two-goal deficient again, the red, white and blue needed to create some offense with 10 minutes to play. Bethany Dykema (Newport News, Va.) came up with the ball on defense in a few key moments, giving Gonzales a chance on goal as her reverse hit was blocked by the Poland goalkeeper. Moments later, Poland had their own reverse shot trickle in from a low angle, putting their lead up to 4-1.

After getting hit with a high shot, Jans Croon (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) pushed up with the ball, but again USA found themselves unable to hold onto possession. A minute later, Paula Slawinska made it 5-1 for Poland when she finished it past Robles. Gonzales came in with another attempt at the reverse chip shot with 3 minutes to play, but was unable to convert. The match ended 5-1, Poland. 

USA will play Paraguay later today at 12:30 p.m. ET in their first crossover match.

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

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