USWNT Starts Independence Day Weekend with Shutout Win Over New Zealand
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – In their first of two matches of the Cathy Bessant International Series against No. 10 New Zealand, the No. 14 U.S. Women’s National Team defeated the Black Sticks, 3-0, over Independence Day weekend.
The first quarter of play was uneventful, with USA earning the first penalty corner of the match several minutes into the second frame. Caroline Ramsey sent in a high flick, which was saved but earned USA a second set piece chance. The second flick by Ramsey was right on target, but met with a nice save by the New Zealand goalkeeper.
USA’s first goal came late in the second quarter, when Abby Tamer sent a ball in toward the stroke spot and there was a scrum in front of the cage. Phia Gladieux held onto the ball and scooped a backhand flick into the cage to put the United Eagles up 1-0.
USA led the match 1-0 at halftime, but New Zealand came into the second half rearing for a goal. With 4:20 left in the third quarter, the Black Sticks earned their first penalty corner chance, which was well defended by USA's defensive penalty corner unit.
Two minutes later, New Zealand earned a second set piece opportunity, but were again unable to find the back of the net. It wouldn't be until the end of the fourth quarter that the United Eagles struck again, when Abby Tamer sent in a low angle lifted shot to put USA up 2-0.
With just minutes left to play and now down two goals, New Zealand opted to pull their goalkeeper in favor of an extra field player. With an assist from Lucy Adams, Reese D'Ariano took advantage of the empty net and scored her first international goal, putting USA up 3-0.
The final whistle blew shortly after D'Ariano's goal, as USA secured a 3-0 shutout in their first match of the series against New Zealand. The defense worked well to keep the Black Sticks off the board, with rising talent like Jans Croon, Josie Hollamon, and Caroline Ramsey shining on the backline.
Player of the Match: Caroline Ramsey
Key Moments:
- 17' USA earns their first and second penalty corners, both of which were flicks by Caroline Ramsey that were saved by the New Zealand goalkeeper
- 29' Abby Tamer sent a ball to the stroke where Phia Gladieux picked it up and scooped a backhand flick into the cage to put USA up 1-0
- 41' New Zealand got their first penalty corner chance, which was defended well by USA to keep the score 1-0
- 56’ Abby Tamer goal puts USA up 2-0
- 56' New Zealand pulled their goalkeeper in favor of an extra field player
- 57' With an assist from Lucy Adams, Reese D'Ariano took advantage of the empty net and scored her first international goal, putting USA up 3-0
Noteworthy:
- Ashley Sessa was back playing for the USA squad for the first time since the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
- USA's Reese D'Ariano scored her first international goal
- USA and New Zealand both had two penalty corners
- New Zealand previously hosted USA in two-match series in January 2025, defeating USA in both matches
Next Up: The USWNT and New Zealand will rematch tomorrow, July 6, in the second and final game of the series at 10:00 a.m. ET. Fans can watch it live or attend in person. Admission is free but fans must have a ticket for entry.
