Argentina Blanks USWNT in Second FIH Hockey Pro League Meeting

ANTWERP, Belgium – In their second meeting in 48 hours, the No. 13 U.S. Women’s National faced No. 3 Argentina for their third game of the 2023-24 FIH Hockey Pro League mini-tournament in Antwerp, Belgium. USA couldn’t match Las Leonas’ offensive prowess as the red, white and blue were blanked 0-4.

Las Leonas wasted no time getting into their circle. Just 35 second in quick passing led to an entry in the left corner that finished with a deflection attempt that goalkeeper Jenny Rizzo (Hershey, Pa.) stopped. Shortly after, Argentina broke through USA’s defense, earned a set piece and converted through Agustina Gorzelany. A chance came for USA when Ashley Hoffman (Mohnton, Pa.) pushed a slightly bouncing ball through traffic into the circle, that Cassie Sumfest (Lewisburg, Pa.) got a small touch on. The United Eagles defense was stretched in the quarter as Argentina produced five more penetrations that resulted in four shots and another penalty corner goal, this time by Victoria Sauze. The frame closed with USA trailing 0-2.

USA elevated their level at the start of the second quarter, holding more control and threatening forward. Two minutes in, Danielle Grega (Kingston, Pa.) used great skill just outside the circle to force a hard foul that was upgraded to a penalty corner but to no avail. In the 19th minute, following a Lauren Wadas (Annville, Pa.) green card, Argentina had a wide open chance in front of Rizzo, but she came up with a big save. The United Eagles produced more offensive movement as the score line didn’t change at the break.

Four minutes into the third, Maria Granatto was issued a 5-minute yellow card. USA couldn’t make the most of the opportunity and struggled to maintain possession. Dwelling with the ball hurt USA and with 30 seconds to go, a deep steal led to Julieta Jankunas ripping a low backhand in to make the score 0-3.

Argentina continued their prowess on attack in the fourth. Rizzo came up with a few saves, but Las Leonas continued to lurk as USA couldn’t connect in their final third. Just inside a minute until the end, Jankunas sent a reverse into the bottom corner to make the final score 0-4.

Following the game, Argentina’s Agostina Alonso was named Player of the Match.

Today’s contest marked two career milestones as Amanda Golini (Randolph, N.J.) played in her 150th international cap and Beth Yeager (Greenwich, Conn.) registered her 50th for Team USA.

The United Eagles return to the pitch tomorrow, May 26 to take on No. 5 Belgium at 8:00 a.m. ET. All matches 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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