USMNT Falls Short to Oman at FIH Hockey5s World Cup, Now Vying for Challenger Trophy

MUSCAT, Oman – In a must win match between the U.S. Men’s National Team and Oman for a spot in FIH Hockey5s World Cup quarterfinal, the Wolves fell short. After finding themselves in a three goal deficit, USA fought back to level the game but were defeated 4-6.

"It’s not the result we wanted but Hockey5s is all about being in the moment," commented Harry Sing, USMNT Head Coach, following the game. "We didn’t control our emotions and paid the price. We came back from being down 4-1 to level it up 4-4. That was the moment we should have won the game."

After the opening minutes were static, USA produced the first shot when Pat Harris (Moorpark, Calif.) had a low angle push on Oman goalkeeper Fahad Al Noufali. The Wolves followed up with a series of chances, the best a shot by Ajai Dhadwal (Agoura Hills, Calif.) that hit the post and then Alberto Montilla (Allen, Texas) was on the rebound sailed a backhand over the goal. In the 8th minute, USA goalkeeper Hamzah Hashmi (Granada Hills, Calif.) was tested and made back-to-back saves. The Wolves got on the board in the 10th minute when Michael Barminski (Ventura, Calif.) picked it off in the defensive end, drove forward and ripped a backhand in to give USA a 1-0 lead. It was short lived as seconds later Oman equalized through Rashad Al Fazari. Just before the break, Oman took the lead when Aiman Madit got it past Hashmi.

Similar to the first, it started slow, but the 20th minute sparked a six goal window. First Oman made it 1-3 when Khalid Al Shaaibi found the sideboard. Two minutes later the hosts extended the margin when Mahmood Bait Shamaiaa converted on a penalty stroke. The Wolves didn’t back down and in the 23rd minute, tallied three goals to level the game at 4-4. The first came when Montilla got a textbook touch on a pass from Harris. Next, Henzor Motta (San Juan, Puerto Rico) threaded the perfect pass to Harris who flipped it over the goalkeeper. Moments later, Dhadwal found Mohan Gandhi (Great Britain) who ripped it at close range. Oman went on to add two more in the closing minutes to put the finishing touches on the game, 4-6.

The Wolves will take on Australia in a 9th through 16th placement match at 10:10 a.m. ET.

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

#HOCKEY5S | #HOCKEYINVITES | #HOCKEYEQUALS

All photographs appearing on this site are property of USA Field Hockey/World Sport Pics and Matthew Christensen. 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 and Matthew Christensen.

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