Crossovers Set for USA Masters at 2026 WMH Masters World Cup

It was another successful few days for the USA Masters at the 2026 World Masters Hockey (WMH) Masters World Cup, with four USA teams advancing to the quarterfinals tomorrow: Men’s O-35, Women’s O-35, Women’s O-40, and Men’s O-45.

The Women’s O-35 IMC, Men’s O-40, Women’s O-45, Men’s O-50, and Women’s O-50 will all play in crossover matches. The Men’s O-35 team remains undefeated (3-1-0) after overcoming Spain, 3-2.

O-50M: New Zealand 4 – 1 USA

 It was another tough loss for the Men’s O-50s, who fell to New Zealand, 4-1. Harry Labana was the lone goal scorer for USA, tallying in the third frame.

O-35W: USA 1 – 0 Ireland

The match between USA’s Women’s O-35 and Ireland was a hard-fought battle from the opening whistle. Through two quarters, the score was locked at 0-0, as both teams created chances, but neither could find the breakthrough. The turning point came in the third quarter when the USA earned a series of attacking penalty corners. One of those opportunities was executed perfectly and finished by Michelle Kasold to give USA a 1-0 lead.

Holding that advantage heading into the fourth quarter, Ireland pushed relentlessly for the equalizer, generating sustained pressure with numerous circle entries and earning a string of penalty corners late in the match. The USA defensive penalty corner unit, led by goalkeeper Emma Beck, stood strong under pressure to preserve the shutout. When the final whistle sounded, USA had secured a hard-earned 1-0 victory through disciplined defense, outstanding teamwork, and a clinical finish when it mattered most. The honor of MVP was given to Kat Helling. The team now awaits the final standings and turns its focus to preparing for the next match.

O-40W: USA 3 – 1 South Africa

The Women's O-40 squad earned a 3-1 victory over South Africa. Lindsey Heppner made several outstanding defensive saves, while Alli Lokey scored twice—including the opener on a one-on-one with the keeper and the final goal off a perfect pass across the circle from Sarah Haegey. Katie Grant added a highlight-reel goal, sprinting 50 yards and beating three defenders and the goalkeeper to find the back of the net.

O-35M: USA 3 – 2 Spain

A sunny afternoon set the stage for a 2:30 p.m. clash between the USA Men’s O-35s and Spain. Spain needed a victory to secure a place in the quarterfinals, while the undefeated United States was determined to extend its impressive run. The opening quarter was a cautious affair, with both teams feeling each other out and unwilling to take unnecessary risks. The game came to life in the second quarter as USA began to apply more pressure, earning a couple of penalty corners before Matty Py finished off a clever one-two move to break the deadlock. Spain responded by taking the initiative and leveled the score from a penalty corner, sending the teams into halftime tied.

The red, white and blue came out strong after the break and regained the lead through an excellent team move, finished by Robbert Schenk. Spain answered once again with another well-executed penalty corner to make it 2–2, setting up a tense final quarter. With everything on the line, USA never lifted its intensity. A superb pass from Oliver Polkamp found Schenk, who produced a magnificent finish to restore the lead for a third—and final—time. The defense held firm through the closing minutes, sealing a hard-fought 3–2 victory and preserving the team’s unbeaten record heading into the quarterfinals.

O-35 IMC: Argentina B 3 – 0 USA

The Women’s O-35 IMC squared off against a skilled and fast Argentina O-40 IMC team in a competitive and hard-fought match. Midfielder Becky Newcomer led by example with a relentless work rate, helping drive both the defensive effort and the transition into attack. Her performance was matched by the commitment and determination of every player on the roster. As a team, USA created positive attacking momentum and worked hard to generate scoring opportunities.

 Argentina's disciplined defensive structure limited USA’s chances to capitalize, but the team's persistence, communication, and collective effort were evident throughout the match. The determination shown from start to finish highlighted the group's resilience and provides a strong foundation to build on moving forward. Despite USA’s resolve, it was Argentina who came out on top, 3-0.