USWNT Falls in Narrow Loss to Germany in FIH Hockey Pro League

LONDON, England – The No. 14 U.S. Women’s National Team took on No. 3 Germany in their second game of the 2023-24 FIH Hockey Pro League mini-tournament in London, England. It was a midfield battle that saw USA take a first quarter lead. The United Eagles held strong on defense but Germany tallied twice in the final frame for the narrow 1-2 loss.

Germany started quick, producing an entry and two shots just a minute into the contest. Maintaining control, Die Danas tested Kelsey Bing (Houston, Texas), forcing her to shift from post-to-post to make a diving save. Midway through the frame, Beth Yeager (Greenwich, Conn.) earned USA a penalty corner after taking a free hit quickly and referring a back stick call. On the chance, Yeager converted the straight drag to put the United Eagles up 1-0. USA used great ball movement up the right to go through Linnea Gonzales (Bel Air, Md.) to Cassie Sumfest (Lewisburg, Pa.) in the corner. Sumfest broke in but was unable to find an outcome. Just before the quarter break, the red, white and blue were in their circle but couldn’t get a shot off.

To start the second period, Germany stepped up their ball pace as USA sat in a deep press, putting everyone behind the ball. In the 23rd minute, it looked like Die Danas won a penalty corner but a smart referral by Amanda Golini (Lafayette, N.J.) overturned it. Moments later a deep USA turnover lead to two shots by Germany but Bing came up with back-to-back saves. Germany remained on the front foot, but the half closed with USA still leading, 1-0.

USA opened the third with a long angle shot from Maddie Zimmer (Hershey, Pa.) that was easily kicked away by goalkeeper Julia Sonntag. Almost immediately, Germany worked it downfield to earn a penalty corner. On the chance, Bing denied the shot and Ashley Hoffman (Mohnton, Pa.) cleared it away. USA’s defense sat in a tight, poised defensive structure to absorb Germany’s threats. Green cards were issued to both sides in the 39th minute but neither team could make anything of it. With 48 seconds to go in the quarter, Zimmer used speed down the right end line to win USA a penalty corner. The United Eagles scored on the chance but after a referral it was deemed dangerous.

Three minutes into the final frame, Germany earned three consecutive set pieces. Bing stopped the first attempt and Golini took the brunt of the second drag. On the third chance, Ally Hammel (Duxbury, Mass.) saved it on the post but off the restart Die Danas scored when a ball got through to Lisa Nolte who touched it in off the post. Two minutes later, Germany took the lead when a crossed ball was deflected in by Sara Strauss. In the 57th minute, Die Danas won a penalty corner, and on the re-award, Gonzales’ block got up field and a foul against Sumfest gave Germany a 5-minute yellow card. At that moment, with 2 minutes to go, USA pulled goalkeeper Bing. USA kept pushing and with 50 seconds to go Phia Gladieux (Oley, Pa.) won the United Eagles a set piece. Yeager’s drag was cleared over the endline and on the next chance, USA couldn’t find the back of the goal as it finished 1-2.

Following the game, Germany’s Kira Horne was named Player of the Match.

The United Eagles will play their third game of the mini tournament in London on Wednesday, June 5 against No. 3 Germany at 10:30 a.m. ET. Fan can stream it pay-per-view on Watch.Hockey for $4.99.

For more information regarding the 2023-24 FIH Hockey Pro League, visit the event page.

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