USWNT Wins 3 Nations Tournament Final Against New Zealand
DUNEDIN, New Zealand – The No. 11 U.S. Women’s National Team won the 3 Nations Tournament with a 2-1 victory over host No. 9 New Zealand in a tightly contested final. The United Eagles secured the decisive goal late in the third quarter and sustained the Black Sticks’ relentless attack to be named champions.
USA started quick and earned a penalty corner just 30 seconds into the contest. Although unable to cleanly execute, the United Eagles produced several more circle entries and shots, especially a dangerous backhand from Ryleigh Heck, in the opening frame. At the other end, New Zealand was awarded a penalty stroke on their first successful circle entry in the 6th minute for the ball hitting a defender’s body behind goalkeeper Kelsey Bing. On the chance, Bing read it correctly and came up with the stop.
In the second quarter, USA was the more threatening side while also displaying a tightened defense that limited New Zealand’s chances. It looked like it was going to be scoreless heading into halftime but with a minute to go before the break a great passing sequence down the left side from Lucy Adams to Beth Yeager in the corner was touched in by Abby Tamer to put USA ahead, 1-0.
Goalkeeper Kelsey Bing two clutch saves - first in the 24th minute on a hard close range shot and on a penalty corner chance in the final minute.
Two minutes into the third frame, the Black Sticks evened the game, 1-1, when Hannah Cotter scored a high reverse shot. USA regained the lead with two minutes to go when Ryleigh Heck’s shot was tipped in off the back post by Phia Gladieux.
Intensity rose in the fourth quarter as New Zealand put the USA under sustained pressure in pursuit of the equalizer. Despite a goal being disallowed, the Black Sticks continued to threaten, but the red, white and blue held firm.
Key Moments:
1’ USA earned their first penalty corner
4’ Maddie Zimmer weaves into the circle
6’ New Zealand awarded a penalty stroke, goalkeeper Kelsey Bing makes the stop
12’ Backhand shot from Ryleigh Heck is saved
18’ Ryleigh Heck with a low angled backhand
19’ Lauren Wadas created space for a backhand shot
22’ Beth Yeager one-on-one with New Zealand’s goalkeeper, but
24’ Goalkeeper Kelsey Bing saved a close range shot
27’ Backhand shot from Maddie Zimmer
29’ Lucy Adams found Beth Yeager in the left corner who got it to Abby Tamer to touch it in for USA, 1-0
30’ New Zealand earned a penalty corner, goalkeeper Kelsey Bing made the save
32’ Hannah Cotter scored a reverse shot for New Zealand, 1-1
42’ USA won a penalty corner, well defended by New Zealand
43’ Phia Gladieux tipped in Ryleigh Heck’s shot to put USA ahead, 2-1
51’ Back-to-back set pieces for USA
56’ New Zealand had a goal called back for back of the stick
56’ Caroline Ramsey issued a green card
56’ New Zealand pulled goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon
59’ New Zealand penalty corner
Noteworthy:
- Today’s contest marked Maddie Zimmer’s 75th contest
Thoughts from Head Coach David Passmore: “Really delighted to win in difficult conditions but to be six for six on tour, including our two practice games, is quite an achievement. We knew New Zealand would come out strong and they played with good tempo but our speed on the counter was a continual threat. While New Zealand had more possession our defensive effort limited their circle entries. Today’s goals were especially pleasing as they came from areas we have been working on. That said you always need goalkeepers in form and Kelsey Bing’s penalty stroke save kept us level early on. This result demonstrates the progress the group has made and with a strong squad left at home, how the program is developing overall.”
Next Up: The USWNT will host No. 15 Chile in Charlotte, N.C. from February 10 to 15 for four unsanctioned matches. There will be no coverage of these games.
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