U-21 USWNT Earns JPAC Silver
World Sport Pics
SANTIAGO, Chile – The 2026 Junior Pan American Cup gold medal game came down to the wire, as the No. 4 U.S. U-21 Women's National Team battled No. 2 Argentina in a match decided in the final 9 minutes. Backed by a resilient defensive effort, USA held strong for much of the contest but ultimately claimed silver after falling 3-1.
"It’s an honor to represent red, white, and blue—and proud to bring home a medal with this incredible squad and staff," said Lynn Farquhar, U-21 USWNT Head Coach. "The persistence and energy we showed in the finals reflect just how much this group has grown together as Team USA. Qualifying for the Junior World Cup was our mission, and we hope it paves the way for those who come next."
Argentina put USA under early pressure with a few threatening chances. The Junior Eagles played good collective defense for majority of the first frame until Las Leoncitas converted in the 13th minute off a penalty corner. USA wasted no time responding, just a minute later, when Reese D’Ariano drove the baseline and put it past the goalkeeper to even the score at 1-1.
The scoreline didn’t change in the second, in part thanks to the leadership of goalkeeper Juliana Boon who denied two more set pieces and kept out a handful of rebound chances.
With 35 seconds to go before the break, USA earned their first penalty corner but unfortunately couldn’t capitalize.
Although Argentina had the advantage in the third period, USA continued to display a solid defensive structure as the contest remained deadlocked.
Las Leoncitas started the final period with a series of set pieces that were absorbed by Boon or front runner Lauren Masters, to continue the trend of good defense.
In the 51st minute, after a penalty corner, Argentina was awarded a stroke and converted to take the lead, 2-1.
In the closing minutes USA ramped up the attack and even pulled Boon in the 57th minute for the extra field player. The strategy didn't pay off as Argentina was awarded another penalty stroke with just one second left and scored as USA fell 3-1 to earn silver.
Key Moments:
- 13’ Argentina earned and scored off their first penalty corner
- 14’ Reese D’Ariano equalized to make it 1-1
- 15’ Back-to-back set pieces for Argentina
- 24’ Argentina penalty corner
- 27’ Argentina set piece
- 30’ USA earned their first penalty corner
- 34’ Juliana Boon turned away a backhand
- 40’ Consecutive stops for Juliana Boon
- 44’ Glove save from Juliana Boon
- 48' Back-to-back Argentina penalty corners
- 49’ Argentina set piece
- 51' Set of Argentina penalty corners
- 51' Argentina converted a penalty stroke to go ahead 2-1
- 57’ Juliana Boon exited the game for an additional field player
- 60' Emily Nichols checked into the game
- 60' Argentina scored a penalty stroke, 3-1
Noteworthy:
- USA has won silver in 1988, 2000, 2005, 2016, 2024 and now 2026
- 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)
- Juliana Boon was named the Junior Pan American Cup Female Goalkeeper of the Tournament
World Sport Pics
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