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AUCKLAND, New Zealand – The No. 13 U.S. Women’s National Team took on No. 10 New Zealand at Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand in the first match of a two-game series. An even game through the first three quarters, the final frame saw the contest’s lone goal as the Black Sticks narrowly defeated USA 1-0.
"In playing a game against higher ranked nation away from home, we really challenged ourselves and for periods stoild up for that challenge by playing a positive attacking brand of hockey while defending more aggressively," commented David Passmore, USWNT Head Coach, following the game. "However, we showed naivety at key moments which handed the initiative back to the Black Sticks, which is to be expected with such a young group playing together for the first time. The aim is to bring those learnings to tomorrow’s second match."
The first quarter saw New Zealand hold much of the possession as USA settled into a rhythm with a mixed squad of veterans and debutants. In the 2nd minute, the United Eagles earned a penalty corner that saw a drag by Caroline Ramsey (Morristown, N.J.) go just wide. The Black Sticks took control and remained on the front foot as they earned a set piece midway through the frame. Goalkeeper Kealsie Reeb (Seaford, Va.) made back-to-back saves, as USA’s defense clear it away. With 2 minutes to go before the break, the Black Sticks threaded a great ball from the left to right and found an attacker with space, but Lucy Adams (Andover, Mass.) made the solid stop.
Possession shifted in the second quarter to sit primarily with USA. A close chance came in the 23rd minute when Mia Schoenbeck (Langrange, Ky.) threw an aerial into the circle that Cassie Sumfest (Lewisburg, Pa.) got a touch on and forced New Zealand goalkeeper Brooke Roberts to make a save. Four minutes later, Schoenbeck took a free hit quickly, sent a ball into the circle and Beth Yeager (Greenwich, Conn.) deflected it on goal. The contest went into halftime scoreless.
Following a relatively even first half USA started quick and earned a penalty corner just 40 seconds into the third period. After the initial attempt resulted in a re-award, USA had a flurry of shots but was unable to get past goalkeeper Roberts. On the resuming play, Schoenbeck had a great first touch past her defender and sent a backhand on frame that was again stopped by Roberts. The Eagles earned another set piece in the 34th minute but to no avail. Midway through the Black Sticks had a penalty corner first denied by first runner Katie Dixon (Cary, N.C.) then by goalkeeper Reeb. Although USA had four shots in the quarter, the scoreline didn’t change.
The final period was packed with high tempo and intensity. Five minutes in New Zealand had a backhand from Emma Findlay that Reeb kicked away. Next the Black Sticks had a chance hit the cross bar and bounce straight down but it was saved off the line by Josie Hollamon (Delmar, Del.). On the play the official called a penalty stroke and fortunately, Casey Crowley sent the opportunity wide. In the 54th minute, following a missed USA penalty corner, New Zealand countered quickly down the left side and caught the Eagles in a numbers up situation as Holly Pearson finished off the right post. As time ticked down USA produced some unforced errors as the Blacks Sticks continued to attack and held on for the 1-0 win.
Many USA athletes reached career milestones today. First, Cassie Sumfest (Lewisburg, Pa.) earned her 50th international cap for Team USA, while Lucy Adams, Carter Ayars (Wilmington, Del.), Jans Croon (Manhattan Beach, Calif.), Katie Dixon, Daniela Mendez-Trendler (Reistertown, Md.), Caroline Ramsey and Mia Schoenbeck all earned their first.
On commenting on the debutants, Passmore added, "It’s a testament to the work done through Nexus and the junior international level that we could be so competitive with such a young team."
The Eagles will return to the pitch tomorrow, Sunday, January 19 for game two at 11:30 p.m. ET.
For more information regarding the 2025 USWNT vs. New Zealand Tour, visit the event page.
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