Australia Defeats USMNT at FIH Hockey5s World Cup

MUSCAT, Oman – The U.S. Men’s National Team met Australia in a 9th through 16th placement game of the FIH Hockey5s World Cup in Muscat, Oman. A slow start found USA in a five goal deficit at the break, and although they got on the board in the second, Australia capitalized on their opportunities to defeat the Wolves 3-6.

"It was a tough game," said Harry Singh, USMNT Head Coach, after the game. "There was too much open space allowed to take a free hit. In the second half, we retained the momentum, but it was too late. We also must give credit to the Australian goalkeeper who did a decent job under the bar. We have a lot to learn from this format."

USA found themselves on the backfoot early, trailing 0-3 just 4 minutes into the contest. The first came in the 2nd minute when through Kieran Symons. Next, Liam Kerr-Nelson tallied and then Joshua Commins struck at distance. Sekayi Charasika (Louisville, Ky.) made Australia goalkeeper Logan Hunter made a double save but couldn’t get on the board. In the 6th minute, the Wolves were awarded a challenge, but Pat Harris’ (Moorpark, Calif.) goal was called back for not taking it 4-meters. After settling in, USA saw shots come from Harris and Ajai Dhadwal (Agoura Hills, Calif.) but to no avail. Australia added two more goals inthe final minute through Zac Profke and Kerr-Nelson to make the score at the break 0-5.

USA had a big hole to dig out of and knew they had to set the momentum in the second to have a chance at a comeback. Within the first minute Dhadwal gave USA their first goal. Three minutes later, Kerr-Nelson restored the five goal margin but within that same minute, Harris had a great finish into the top net to make it 2-6. Continuing to push, Harris took a free hit quickly and Charasika swept it in to give USA one back. The fight continued and with less than a minute, Michael Barminski (Ventura, Calif.) won the Wolves a challenge. Harris stepped up to take it and was fouled and earned a penalty stroke. Unfortunately, Dhadwal’s chance was saved as the final horn sounded making the final 3-6.

The Wolves will take on Jamaica in a 13th through 16th placement match at 3:40 a.m. ET.

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

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