U-21 USWNT Finish Top of Pool with Win Over Uruguay, Advance to 2025 JWC Quarterfinals
SANTIAGO, Chile – With a 3-1 win over No. 22 Uruguay, the No. 6 U.S. U-21 Women’s National Team claimed the top finish in Pool F and a spot in the 2025 FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup Quarterfinals.
The U-21 USWNT came out with gusto once again in the opening frame, but had a hard time breaking into their attacking circle with Uruguay holding a strong line. Finally, with about a minute and a half left in the first quarter, USA earned the first penalty corner of the match. Dani Mendez tipped in a shot from Mia Schoenbeck to give the red, white, and blue a 1-0 lead.
It was a quicker start for Uruguay in the third quarter, as they put more pressure on the USA defense, but it was USA to score again. Seven minutes into the frame, a reverse shot by Reese D'Ariano was saved, but Maci Bradford lifted in the rebound to put the Junior Eagles up 2-0.
Like USA did with their first penalty corner of the match, Uruguay did the same with theirs in 42nd minute. The Junior Eagles had a 2-1 lead after three quarters.
USA converted another set piece in the 51st minute to get a crucial third goal. After the initial shot was saved, Dani Mendez weaved the ball back in and crossed it to Ella Beach, who finished it in cage.
The Junior Eagles finished out the match with a 3-1 win, going undefeated in their three pool matches to finish top in Pool F.
Player of the Match: Dani Mendez
Key Moments:
- 14' USA earns first penalty corner, Dani Mendez scores to put USA up 1-0
- 36' Reverse shot by Reese D'Ariano is saved, Maci Bradford lifts in the rebound, USA leads 2-0
- 40' Dani Mendez earns USA penalty corner
- 42' Uruguay wins their first set piece, Chiara Curcio scores. USA up 2-1
- 43' USA defends back-to-back penalty corners from Uruguay
- 44' USA set piece chance, Mia Schoenbeck drag flick defended
- 51' Lauren Masters earns USA penalty corner, Ella Beach finishes in goal off the cross from Dani Mendez. USA leads 3-1
- 54' USA penalty corner chance
- 56' Uruguay penalty corner chance
Noteworthy:
- USA has now won all four of their matches against Uruguay. In all four games, they have allowed one goal.
- Ella Beach tallied her second junior international goal, her first at a Junior World Cup.
Next Up: The Junior Eagles secured a spot in the Quarterfinals on Monday, December 8. Following the conclusion of pool play games on Saturday, December 6, the exact time and opponent will be confirmed. Fans can stream all games live on Watch.Hockey.
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