U-21 USWNT Shut Out Uruguay, Headed to JPAC Semifinals
SANTIAGO, Chile – In their last pool match at the 2026 Junior Pan American Cups, the No. 4 U.S. U-21 Women’s National Team came out with a big 5-0 win over No. 16 Uruguay. The Junior Eagles will advance to the semifinals on Friday, April 17.
"Proud of this squad for embracing feedback, stepping up to the challenge, and continuing to rise," said Lynn Farquhar, U-21 USWNT Head Coach. "We executed our roles, trusted the game plan, and played with heart. We’re excited to keep building to take another step forward—together."
After a back-and-forth start, Taylor Bigbie earned a penalty corner for USA in the final minute of the opening frame. The initial shot from Reese D’Ariano was blocked, but she sent int the rebound to put USA up 1-0.
USA would hold on to that one-goal lead into halftime. At minute 38, Olivia Bent-Cole won a USA set piece opportunity, which led to a penalty stroke. Ava Moore converted to put USA ahead 2-0.
On USA’s next penalty corner chance, Lauren Sloan sent the ball back to the insert, and Mary Adams notched her first goal of the tournament.
To kick off the final quarter, D’Ariano nailed a low angle shot to bring USA’s lead to 4-0.
At the 54-minute mark, Abigail Gerdeman received a pass from D’Ariano and scored off a reverse shot, sealing a 5-0 victory for USA.
Key Moments:
- 8’ Uruguay wins the first penalty corner
- 9’ USA penalty corner shot blocked
- 14’ USA penalty corner, Reese D’Ariano scores to put USA up 1-0
- 20’ USA set piece, shot blocked
- 26’ USA defense outlasts two Uruguay set pieces
- 38’ USA penalty corner opportunity, leads to penalty stroke, Ava Moore scores, USA up 2-0
- 42’ Penalty corner earned by USA, Mary Adams scores, USA leads 3-0
- 47’ Reese D’Ariano scores, USA up 4-0
- 54’ Goal from Abigail Gerdeman puts USA up 5-0
- 55’ Uruguay penalty corner chance
WorldSportPics
Player of the Match: Olivia Bent-Cole
Next Up: The Junior Eagles finished out pool play second in the standings, and will face the third place No. 16 Uruguay on Friday, April 17 at 7:00 p.m. ET in the semifinals. Fans can stream it live for free on PanAm Sports Channel.
Noteworthy Numbers:
- Reese D'Ariano is the current tournament top scorer with 11 goals
- Abigail Gerdeman scored her first international junior goal
- The Junior Eagles have won all five meetings with Uruguay
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