Junior USWNT Wrap Up 4 Nations Tournaments in Europe

EUROPE - Three Junior U.S. Women's National Teams wrapped up their respective 4 Nations Tournaments in Europe on April 6 after competing over a four-day span against top junior national teams.

The U-16 Red team played at HOD Valkenswaard in Valkenswaard, Netherlands, against U-15 national teams from across Europe. They went 1-2-1, finishing in fifth out of the eight teams.

After two training sessions together at HOD, USA participated in a practice match against Morocco’s Junior Women’s National Team. Having only formed in September of 2025, Morocco was competing in their first ever match, making it a meaningful and developmental experience for both sides.

The Junior Eagles opened the tournament with an impressive 8-1 victory over England, highlighted by a hat trick from Lila Anderson. Goalkeepers Olivia Bryant and Grace Combest also delivered standout performances with several highlight-reel saves. In their second match, USA fell to the Netherlands, 3-1, in a fast-paced, high-intensity contest. Despite the result, the team showed resilience, increasing their attacking presence in the second half, with Giselle Naticchione scoring in the fourth quarter. Game three ended in a 1-1 draw against Belgium White. After three scoreless quarters, Belgium struck first before Frankie Ierubino responded with a last-minute goal to secure the tie. 

The final game of the tournament was a crossover match against Belgium Red, which ended in a 0-0 tie. USA gained confidence and success as the game went on, earning more and more corners. USA’s defense never let up, with the midfield and defensive line facing immense pressure all game long. Combest had a crucial diving stick save near the end of the match to preserve the shutout.

The U-16 Blue squad played in Tonbridge, England and went 2-0-2, coming in second overall.

“Our team was composed of an inclusive and connected group of athletes who came into the tour with an attitude of selflessness," said Stacey Bean, U-16 USWNT Assistant Coach. "They were determined to grow both individually and collectively on and off the pitch. As a staff, we were truly impressed with the adaptability and open-mindedness that each athlete displayed throughout the selection process and the tour itself.”

The USA squad opened with a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Belgium after going into the fourth quarter down 2-1. Alex Beety scored USA’s first goal in the 27th minute. USA then went almost 25 minutes without a goal, but Mary O’Connor ended the drought in the fourth quarter with a strong goal on a penalty corner. Just five minutes later, Lila Merlin capitalized with just a couple minutes left in the game. Their second match resulted in a narrow 1-0 loss to Scotland in a non-pool game, despite the U.S. controlling possession and generating numerous scoring opportunities. The third match was a strong 2-0 victory over France, bringing USA to finish first in their pool. Lila Merlin scored in the second quarter and Lucy Jones, captain for the game, scored early in the fourth.

Finishing first in their pool meant playing The Netherlands in their crossover game for overall first place. While they ultimately fell 5-0, USA held the match scoreless through the first quarter. USA’s defensive unit and goalkeeping demonstrated strong organization and composure against relentless pressure.

The U-18 White group, also in Tonbridge, England, came away in the fourth spot after going 2-0-2 and finishing second in the pool.

"Working with this group of players and staff over the past few months has been an absolute joy," said Jamie Montgomery, U-18 USWNT Head Coach. "This group has a trademark sense of competitiveness and camaraderie that helped them grow and learn very quickly. While on tour, they played a fast, intelligent, and tenacious brand of hockey. Each game was a new opportunity to how much hard work they have put in over the past few months. I am so proud of how they represented the USA!"

U-18 White began their tournament with a tough 2-0 loss to Belgium, a physically and technically strong opponent. They created opportunities in the first half but couldn't find the net, and went down 1-0 just before halftime. Despite matching Belgium in shots from open play and goalkeeper Josie Bianco making numerous saves, the Junior Eagles couldn't find a way back into the contest. Game two saw the unique challenge of playing an older team, taking on a Wales U-21 outfit featuring several athletes from their Junior World Cup roster in Chile last December. USA finished with a 2-1 win with the dominant statistic of 31 circle entries to Wales's 3. Wales scored first in the third quarter, but a spirited fourth quarter comeback saw USA flip the game on its head through high drag flicks by Rebecca Block and captain Morgan O'Donnell.

USA went into game three against Scotland needing a win to compete for bronze. Block once again made an impact, finding the opposite top corner with her drag flick and setting up a second goal with a long aerial pass to Camilla Lutte, setting a two-goal advantage. Scotland then scored two to tie it up at 2-2 in the fourth quarter. That sent the game to a dramatic shootout, with USA prevailing 5-3 after seeing goalkeeper Charlotte DeSchepper save two off the bench to send USA into the third-place playoff. 

In the bronze medal match, USA fell just short in a 2-1 loss to England in one of the most exciting contests of the tournament. A wide-open, exciting affair with both sides producing over 30 circle entries and six penalty corners each, the scoreline was nonetheless kept down by excellent individual defending and goalkeeping at both ends. USA struck first through an impressive solo effort from Lutte, but a rough third quarter for the USA saw England flip the lead with two well-taken goals. This set the stage for a fourth-quarter siege from USA, as head coach Jamie Montgomery removed goalkeeper DeSchepper with five minutes remaining for an extra field player. Despite finding multiple opportunities, USA was left empty-handed after a frenetic finale.

Overall, the Junior U.S. Women’s National Teams had a highly successful and impactful week in Europe. The experience provided invaluable international exposure, strengthened team cohesion, and laid a strong foundation for future success.

USA Field Hockey would like to thank HOD Valkenswaard, England Hockey, and The Tonbridge School. The England Hockey staff created a first-class high performance atmosphere for the teams competing in both the U-16 and the U-18 events, and the staff at The Tonbridge School were gracious and welcoming hosts. USA Field Hockey would also like to extend its gratitude to the athletes, staff, and families who made these tours possible.

For more information on the 4 Nations Tournaments, visit the event page. The U.S. U-21 Women's National Team is set to compete in a 4 Nations Tournament in England from July 7 to 15.