U-21 USWNT Edged by Germany, Still Claim Highest Junior World Cup Finish
SANTIAGO, Chile – Despite falling to No. 3 Germany, 3-1, in their final match, the No. 6 U.S. U-21 Women’s National Team closed out the 2025 FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup with their highest-ever finish of 6th place.
From the start, the 5th/6th placement game promised to be a good one. The first quarter saw very few offensive opportunities, but a slight favor toward Germany. With less than a minute remaining, Germany had perhaps their best chance so far when a crossed ball found a player a post. The ball slipped past Alyssa Klebasko but was cleared off the line by Josie Hollamon.
Germany, who had been looking for a penalty corner all match, finally earned one in the 27th minute. A drag flick from Lena Frerichs gave them a 1-0 lead heading into halftime. Die Danas then doubled their advantage early in the third quarter to 2-0, and hinging off that momentum, tallied another just minutes later to go up 3-0.
In the final minute of the third frame, Germany earned a penalty stroke, but a sensational save from Alyssa Klebasko denied them the goal.
Revitalized, it was the Junior Eagles with the final goal—their first and only of the match—in the 51st minute from Dani Mendez off the proceeding play from Ella Beach.
A few saves from substitute goalkeeper Juliana Boon helped USA end the match with no further injury, as Germany won 3-1 to take 5th place while USA claimed the 6th place spot, their best-ever finish at a Junior World Cup.
Key Moments:
- 14' Josie Hollamon clears it off the goal line
- 27' Germany earns the first penalty corner, scores on a drag flick to take 1-0 lead
- 32' Germany scores in open play to go up 2-0
- 37' Germany tip in another goal to take 3-0 lead
- 44' A second Germany penalty corner is defended by USA
- 45' Germany penalty stroke called, USA reviews and loses video referral
- 45' Alyssa Klebasko denies Germany's penalty stroke
- 51' Ella Beach dribbles in and sends the ball to Dani Mendez, who finishes in goal
- 52' Germany set piece chance
- 58' Germany penalty corner
Noteworthy:
- The U-21 USWNT had their best-ever finish at a Junior World Cup (6th), the last being a 7th place finish in 2013
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