U-21 USWNT Qualifies for Junior World Cup Behind JPAC Shootout Win Over Uruguay
SANTIAGO, Chile – In a dramatic 2026 Junior Pan American Cup semifinal, the No. 4 U.S. U-21 Women’s National Team saw its control of the match tested until the very final seconds, as No. 16 Uruguay equalized with just 37 seconds remaining. After leading for the majority of the contest, the USA regrouped under pressure and delivered in the shootout, securing a 3-1 victory to punch their ticket to the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup and advance to the gold medal match.
Although the first quarter closed scoreless, it was Uruguay who had majority of the momentum. They earned three penalty corners in the frame and on the second set goalkeeper Juliana Boon made two great saves.
USA's only look of the period came in the closing minutes when they won back-to-back penalty corners and produced three shots, but were unable to find an outcome.
Much like the start, the second quarter saw static play and limited opportunities. Abigail Gerdeman produced a good backhand look for USA but her shot was saved as it remained 0-0 at halftime.
Five minutes into the third quarter, USA took the lead. The passing sequence started down the right side with Lauren Masters who went inside to Reese Antesberger and then back to an overlapping Masters on the baseline. Masters then found Reese D'Ariano for the finish over the goalkeeper.
With 5 minutes to go, Uruguay had a penalty corner chance denied when Boon came up clutch with a solid stick deflection.
In dramatic fashion and with 37 seconds left on the clock, Uruguay earned a set piece and converted to even the match at 1-1.
In the shootout, USA's goalkeeper Emily Nicholls denied two attempts to make the difference. After Taylor Bigbie and D'Ariano scored, Olivia Bent-Cole tallied in the fourth round to seal the 3-1 win.
Key Moments:
- 3’ Uruguay won the first penalty corner
- 10’ Uruguay won a second set piece
- 12’ Uruguay penalty corner well defended
- 14’ USA won back-to-back penalty corners
- 16’ Backhand shot by Abigail Gerdeman was saved
- 26’ Uruguay earned a set piece
- 35' Reese D'Ariano scored to put USA ahead 1-0
- 36' USA won back-to-back penalty corners
- 55’ Juliana Boon used her stick to deflect away a Uruguay penalty corner shot
- 56' USA with a succession of set pieces
- 57' Shot by Sarah Rigual went just wide
- 60' Uruguay scored on a penalty corner to even the game
- 60'+ Goalkeeper Emily Nicholls checked in to defend the shootout
Shootout:
Round 1: Uruguay missed, while Taylor Bigbie spun and scored
Round 2: Both Uruguay and D'Ariano scored
Round 3: Nicholls blocked Uruguay's attempt while Ava Moore had her shot denied
Round 4: Nicholls came up big with another stop as Olivia Bent-Cole scored for the win
Noteworthy:
- USA has advanced to the JPAC final for the past three editions
- USA has qualified for the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup for the past nine editions in a row (1989, 1997, 2001, 2005, 2009, 2013, 2016, 2022, 2023, 2025)
- The Junior Eagles have won all six meetings with Uruguay
Player of the Match: Reese D'Ariano (USA)
Next Up: The Junior Eagles will play for the gold on Saturday, April 18 at 7:15 p.m. ET against No. 2 Argentina. Fans can stream it live for free on PanAm Sports Channel.
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