Tested Defensively, USWNT Drops Second FIH Hockey Pro League Match Against Germany

LONDON, England – After playing just 3 days ago, the No. 14 U.S. Women’s National Team saw No. 3 Germany again in the 2023-24 FIH Hockey Pro League. After previously losing in a narrow contest, the momentum shifted for this match that saw Die Danas shutout USA, 0-2.

In the 2nd minute, Sanne Caarls (Nieuw-Vennep, Netherlands) entered the circle on the left baseline, beat her defender and started a string of four USA penalty corners in a row. Unfortunately, Germany’s defense remained strong on all four bouts not allowing the United Eagles to convert. The red, white and blue remained on attack and saw a close redirect by Danielle Grega (Kingston, Pa.) go just wide and a drop pass by Cassie Sumfest (Lewisburg, Pa.) get to Meredith Sholder (Fleetwood, Pa.), but her push on goal was saved by goalkeeper Nathalie Kubalski. In the 10th minute, USA goalkeeper Kealsie Reeb (Yorktown, Va.) was tested twice, both on backhand attempts. With 3 minutes to go before the break, Caarls was issued a green card, but the quarter closed scoreless.

After a static start, Germany earned a set piece in the 19th minute. On the chance, Ally Hammel (Duxbury, Mass.) deflected it out of the air off the post. Die Danas remained on the front foot, and a minute later scored on a stubborn effort. After a deep USA turnover, Reeb saved it twice before Charlotte Staphenhorst flipped in. Within the 25 h minute, Germany earned back-to-back penalty corners, but USA’s defense remained strong and didn’t allow a shot to get on frame. The half closed with USA trailing 0-1.

The third quarter saw majority of possession with Germany. A fearless USA side defended away eight penalty corners within a 5-minute period, but the constantly pressure fell in favor of Germany on the ninth attempt. After Hammel made another goal line post deflection, Nike Lorenz set it over her head to make it 0-2. Reeb also came up with two solid open play stops.

To start the final frame, Grega produced a close chance for USA when she pushed it along the left baseline and forced Kubalski to the turf. Reeb continued to make great stop and absorbed a close encounter off the right post. In the 55th minute, it looked like Germany added another one but a correct referral by USA took it away. The final saw the United Eagles fall 0-2.

Following the game, Germany’s Sonja Zimmerman was named Player of the Match.

Today’s contest marked a career milestone for Sanne Caarls who played in her 50th international cap for Team USA.

The United Eagles will play their final game of the mini tournament in London on Thursday, June 6 against No. 6 Great Britain at 12:45 p.m. ET. This match will be aired on the CBS Sports Network, while all games of the FIH Hockey Pro League can be streamed pay-per-view on Watch.Hockey for $4.99 for the whole league.

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

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