USMNT Shutout by Ireland in Opening Match of 2026 FIH Hockey Nations Cup
CAPE TOWN, South Africa – The No. 26 U.S. Men’s National Team dropped their first contest of the 2026 FIH Hockey Nations Cup to No. 9 Ireland in Cape Town, South Africa. In wet conditions, the Wolves were met with a defensive challenge and were unable to breakthrough as they fell 3-0.
USA's defensive structure proved effective in the first quarter, limiting Ireland to just two circle entries and preventing any significant scoring opportunities.
Ireland opened the scoring early in the second quarter, finding the back of the net in the 17th minute. USA struggled to maintain sustained possession and build attacking momentum, allowing Ireland to dictate much of the play. Ireland continued to keep pressure on the red, white and blue throughout the half. Goalkeeper Emil Collins made four important saves to keep the deficit manageable, but the Green Machine doubled its advantage in the 28th minute, converting from a penalty corner to take a 2-0 lead.
USA saw more possession and control during the third quarter, generating several circle entries while holding Ireland scoreless. In the 40th minute, Sekayi Charasika created a promising opportunity with a backhand shot, but the attempt was turned away by the Ireland goalkeeper. The Green Machine threatened from a set piece in the 44th minute, but Collins came up with another key save to keep the score unchanged.
Ireland added a third goal in the 48th minute to extend their advantage. Collins continued to battle in goal, making an impressive glove save on a backhand shot in the 53rd minute to deny another scoring opportunity. USA earned their first and only penalty corner with just 30 seconds remaining in regulation, but was unable to capitalize, falling to Ireland, 3-0.
Key Moments:
17’ Ireland took the lead, 1-0
19’ USA produced their first circle entry
24’ Emil Collins made a reverse shot save
28’ Ireland scored off a penalty corner, 2-0
29’ Ireland hit the post
40’ Backhand shot by Sekayi Charasika is saved
44’ Ireland earned a penalty corner
48’ Ireland converts, 3-0
51’ Ireland issued a 5-minute yellow card
53’ Glove save by Emil Collins
54’ Christian DeAngelis issued a 5-minute yellow card
60’ USA earned a penalty corner
Noteworthy:
- Goalkeeper Emil Collins recorded his first start for USA
- The last time USA and Ireland met was in the 2022 4 Nations Invitational Tournament where Ireland won, 3-0
- USA has one victory, 2-1, against Ireland that came in 2018 test matches
Thoughts from Head Coach Allan Law: “This is where we need to be, competing against Olympic-caliber nations and learning how to perform in these environments. While the result was not what we wanted, there were positive signs, particularly in our defensive performance and commitment without the ball. We know, however, that we need to be significantly better in possession if we want to consistently challenge teams at this level."
"A special mention goes to Marius Leser, who has missed almost a year of international competition through injury. It was fantastic to see him back on the field and making an important contribution to the group."
"We will recover, review our performance honestly, and quickly turn our attention to South Africa. They are another Olympic-caliber opponent and another valuable opportunity for us to test ourselves against some of the best teams in the world."
Next Up: The USMNT will play their second game of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup on Saturday, June 13 at 11:00 a.m. against No. 13 South Africa. All games can be streamed on Watch.Hockey (PPV).
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