India Takes Second Game Over USWNT in FIH Hockey Pro League

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands – In their second meeting of the FIH Hockey Pro League, the No. 15 U.S. Women’s National Team saw opportunities go unconverted against No. 6 India. Trailing 1-0 at the break, India produced a three goal second half to defeat USA, 4-0.

USA opened the match earning a penalty corner in the 3rd minute. The high drag by Beth Yeager (Greenwich, Conn.) was saved by India goalkeeper Savita, but USA remained with possession as Maddie Zimmer (Hershey, Pa.) used speed to enter the circle on the right baseline but couldn’t find an outcome. India took control and in the 5th minute and had a goalmouth scramble that forced USA goalkeeper Kelsey Bing (Houston, Texas) to make back-to-back saves. The Eves had a spell of possession before Danielle Grega (Kingston, Pa.) earned USA their second set piece. Unable to find a result, the remaining minutes saw neither team positively break into their attacking end as it closed scoreless.

The second quarter saw India more on the front foot as they had a handful of attacking opportunities. In the 24th minute, the Eves earned their first penalty corner, and their straight hit was defended well by USA as they immediately countered. Moments later, Jillian Wolgemuth (Mount Joy, Pa.) cut down a threat before Cassie Sumfest (Lewisburg, Pa.) put her body on the line to stop a backhand attempt but gave India a penalty corner. Unable to convert, India continued with possession but solid defense by USA cut down the chances as the match went into half, 0-0.

India resumed their control and came out and earned a penalty corner 4 minutes into the third quarter. Following a green card issued to Brooke DeBerdine (Millersville, Pa.), the Eves tested Bing twice before capitalizing off a penalty corner. In the 39th minute, the straight drag by Kaur Gurjit was deflected in on the reverse by Katariya Vandana. USA came close to finding the equalizer in the 43rd minute after winning a penalty corner. Ashley Hoffman’s (Mohnton, Pa.) drag went over the goal as India held the 1-0 lead heading into the final frame.

In the fourth quarter, USA struggled to maintain possession up field as India produced three goals in a 3-minute span. The first came in the 54th minute, after quick passing led to Vandana Katariya scoring on an open net. Within the same minute, Sonika got on the board and then Sangita Kumari was caught 1v1 with Bing as she turned and scored to make it 4-0. USA did generate two penalty corners in the closing minutes but couldn’t capitalize.

Following the game, India’s Salima Tete was named Player of the Match.

Today’s contest marked a career milestone for Lauren Moyer who both played in her 100th international cap for Team USA.

"We are working on coming out in the second half strong, but we let that slip,” said Hoffman, following the game. “We are also working on reacting when they score, and we let that slip. In those two moments when we needed to step up we disappointed ourselves a bit.”

Next, the U.S. Women’s National Team will travel to Hertogenbosch where they will play No. 8 Belgium in another two-game series at HC Den Bosch on Saturday, June 25 at 5:30 a.m. ET and Sunday, June 26 at 5:00 a.m. ET. For more information, visit the FIH Hockey Pro League Event Page.

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