Offense Delivers in USWNT's 2026 FIH Hockey Nations Cup Win Over Uruguay
AUCKLAND, New Zealand — The No. 12 U.S. Women's National Team performed against No. 17 Uruguay in their second match of the 2026 FIH Hockey Nations Cup, coming away with a 7-2 victory. The success was marked by several strong performances, including a four-goal game from Abby Tamer.
The first shot of the match came early, in just the first minute, as a ball sent wide from Tamer foreshadowed what was to come. Then, two and half minutes in, Ashley Sessa pulled around the goalkeeper to put the United Eagles up 1-0.
Uruguay equalized on a penalty corner shortly after, but USA was back on top in no time when a ball sent in from Lucy Adams found the stick of Tamer.
To round out the first quarter, Beth Yeager converted a set piece with a drag flick goal, putting USA up 3-1.
The momentum continued into the start of the second quarter, as two minutes in Tamer scored her second goal of the match off a cross from Claire Danahy.
With less than a minute left in the half, Uruguay conceded another goal off a penalty corner - this time a well-timed deflection from Ryleigh Heck. The tally gave USA a solid 5-1 lead heading into halftime.
It would be Uruguay with the first goal of the second half, converting a set piece in the 38th minute. Shortly after, capitalizing on bobbled reception in the backfield, Tamer grabbed the ball and sent in a brilliant backhand shot. USA had a 6-2 advantage after the third frame.
Not finished yet, Tamer put a fourth goal away, this time showing off her quick stick skill to put the red, white, and blue up 7-2. The United Eagles fended off several Uruguay penalty corners to end the match, as they took the 7-2 victory.
Player of the Match: Abby Tamer (USA)
Key Moments:
3' Ashley Sessa goal
4' Uruguay equalize off a penalty corner
8' Lucy Adams assist to Abby Tamer to put USA up 2-1
12' Beth Yeager scores off a penalty corner drag flick, USA up 3-1
17' Abby Tamer scores her second goal of the match, USA take a 4-1 lead
30' Penalty corner deflection from Ryleigh Heck, USA up 5-1
30' Uruguay substitute Maria Bate in goal for the second half
38' Uruguay tally a second set piece goal, USA still leads at 5-2
41' Abby Tamer scores a hat trick
47' Abby Tamer gets a fourth, USA up 7-2
52' USA penalty corner
57' Uruguay set piece chance
Noteworthy:
- Abby Tamer had her highest scoring match with four goals
- Ryleigh Heck scored her first penalty corner goal
- So far, USA's win against Uruguay is the highest margin of victory at the 2026 FIH Hockey Nations Cup
Thoughts from Head Coach David Passmore: "Overall, I am happy with the intensity we brought. When we were patient and moved the ball quickly, we looked really threatening. It’s all about our final match now - stepping up to another level and improving our deep defense."
Next Up: The USWNT play their final pool game of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup on Wednesday, June 17 at 9:00 p.m. ET against No. 15 Japan. All games can be streamed on Watch.Hockey (PPV).
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