USMNT Falls to Egypt in Opening FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifier Match

Egypt responded by testing goalkeeper Jonathan Klages and their persistence paid off in the 9th minute when they won a set piece of their own. Unfortunately, the shot hit post player Ajai Dhadwal on the line resulting in a penalty stroke. Goalkeeper Emil Collins checked in to defend the attempt, but Ahmed Aleganaini evened the contest.

The hosts had momentum at the start of the second quarter as USA absorbed a period of attack. In the 23rd minute, Egypt tallied the go-ahead goal off a penalty corner through Hamada Atef.  

USA got back into rhythm, producing a few close chance shots and upping their attacking presence, but were unable to change the 1-2 scoreline before break.

The Wolves had the better of the third quarter and put Egypt’s goalkeeper under a lot of pressure. First Sekayi Charasika produced a backhand shot. Next a good sequence came when, Alberto Montilla created a reverse attempt, Kei Kaeppeler was on the rebound and Johnny Orozco swept it over the goal. Just before the break, Jasper Pouw pushed it on frame, but the score did not change.

Just 1-minute into the final frame, it seemed like USA leveled the game when Pat Harris threaded the ball through that was deflected in by Jack Heldens, but following a review Harris was called for a serious misconduct and issued a 10-minute yellow card. The penalty shifted control and Egypt added to their lead in the 52nd minute.

 Although trailing, USA kept pushing in the closing minutes but was unable to cut the margin.

Key Moments:

5’ Sekayi Charasika earned USA their first penalty corner

6’ Aki Kaeppeler delivered a mid-height drag, 1-0

6’ Egypt produced two entries and a shot that was saved by Jonathan Klages

9’ Egypt earned a penalty corner, turned stroke and scored, 1-1

11’ Jonathan Klages defends away a backhand shot

23’ Egypt scored off a penalty corner, 1-2

25’ Low-angled backhand shot from Kei Kaeppeler

28’ Clever build up results in a shot from Doug Allison

32’ Backhand by Sekayi Charasika saved

37’ Alberto Montilla created a backhand, Kei Kaeppeler was on the rebound and Johnny Orozco swept it over the goal

44’ Jasper Pouw but it on frame and forces Egypt’s goalkeeper to make the clear

46’ Jack Heldens’ goal called back following a referral and 10-minute yellow card to Pat Harris

52’ Egypt scored, 1-3

56’ USA set piece and Aki Kaeppeler’s drag is saved by the post player

56’ Kaeppeler combination – Aki to Kei with a turning no look shot

58’ USA set piece that is well-defended

Noteworthy:

• USA's Doug Allison and Jasper Pouw both played in their first international caps
• The is only the second recorded meeting between USA and Egypt
• The last time USA and Egypt met was in the 2024-25 FIH Nations Cup 2 Oman Semifinal where Egypt was victorious, 4-2

Thoughts from Head Coach Allan Law: “Despite a disappointing result, we are proud of the resilience the group showed and the number of quality opportunities we created to win the game. Our focus now shifts forward to tomorrow’s matchup against Japan.

Congratulations to Doug Allison and Jasper Pouw on earning their first international caps tonight. Both demonstrated the composure, character, and performance level of seasoned internationals.”

Next Up: The USMNT will play their second game of the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifier tomorrow, Monday, March 2 at 11:45 a.m. against No. 18 Japan. All games can be streamed on Watch.Hockey (PPV).

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