U-21 USWNT Victorious Over England in 2025 JWC Thriller
SANTIAGO, Chile – An electric fourth quarter goal propelled the No. 6 U.S. U-21 Women’s National Team to victory over No. 4 England at the 2025 FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup, securing them a spot in the 5th/6th place match on Friday.
It was an evenly matched first quarter between USA and England. With such few offensive chances by both sides, it was exceptionally crucial when USA's Olivia Bent-Cole found the breakthrough goal halfway through the second quarter.
It was more of the same in quarter three, with possession going back and forth between the two teams. The Junior Eagles had several chances they were unable to convert, while the defense worked to keep England out. USA would retain their 1-0 lead after three frames.
The tension came to a head with seven minutes left in the game, when England equalized with a penalty stroke goal. One minute later, England earned a penalty corner, which led to an counter-attack from USA. The save from Alyssa Klebasko was cleared out by Mia Schoenbeck, sent to Ava Moore, to Alaina McVeigh, and up to Reese D'Ariano, who found the back up the net to put USA up 2-1.
The USA defense withstood two final penalty corner chances from England to take an exciting 2-1 victory to secure a spot in the 5th/6th place game and what will be their best-ever finish.
Player of the Match: Mia Abello
Key Moments:
- 4' Goal for England is called, after umpire review, it was deemed not a goal
- 11' USA lose their video referral
- 21' USA first penalty corner
- 23' Olivia Bent-Cole scores to give USA a 1-0 lead
- 23' England lose their video referral
- 53' England earn their first penalty corner
- 53' England equalize with a penalty stroke goal, score is 1-1
- 54' Second set piece opportunity for England
- 54' USA defends a penalty corner, clears it up the field, Reese D'Ariano scores to put USA up 2-1
- 59' Back-to-back England penalty corners defended by USA
Noteworthy:
- USA defeated England for the first time since 2005, after falling in the 2023, 2016, and 2009 Junior World Cup
Next Up: The Junior Eagles will play in the 5th/6th placement game on Friday, December 12 at 1:45 p.m. ET against Germany. Fans can stream all games live on Watch.Hockey.
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