Rise USWNT Goes Undefeated in Four-Game Series against Canada’s U-18

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. - Last week, the U.S. Rise Women's National Team hosted Canada's U-18 squad in a four-game series at The Proving Grounds in Conshohocken, Pa. Dominant in scoring, USA never trailed and went undefeated in all matches scoring an impressive 20 goals.

"First of all I was so happy for the athletes to have the opportunity again to compete and represent USA," said Ralph Boersma, Rise USWNT Head Coach. "The effort and energy the team put in this week was phenomenal. Our goal was to get a little bit better every day and we achieved that. We handled different challenges and tactical concepts very well and I was impressed by the group’s ability to maintain focus throughout an intense week."

Canada is a great team and well coached and competed hard each game. I want to thank them for making the trip and look forward to future series. I want to thank Jackie [Briggs], Jess [Jecko], Carrera [Lucas] and Tamara [Durante] for all their hard work during this past week and the prior camps. They create a wonderful environment for the athletes to grow in. Finally I want to thank the team, their work rate and camaraderie made it a wonderful group to coach. The future is bright!"

The Rise USWNT started the match strong and tallied 3 minutes in when Isabella Bianco (Berlin, N.J.) scored off a penalty corner rebound and 2-minutes later, Charlotte Bruder (Malvern, Pa.) converted on a backhand for the 2-0 lead. Canada settled in and earned a penalty corner in second quarter that was defended well by the USA defensive unit led by goalkeeper Alyssa Klebasko (Odenton, Md.).

In the second half, USA added another off a forehand shot by Josie Hollamon (Delmar, Del.). In fourth quarter, Canada scored back-to-back goals from fast breaks to close the margin, 3-2, but USA responded quickly by scoring two field goals. The fourth goal was a solid forehand shot by Bruder after eliminating multiple defenders and the fifth was beautiful team play after winning the ball on the press. Caroline Nemec (Darien, Conn.) combined with Eva Nemeth (Malvern, Pa.) and Maci Bradford (Delmar, Del.) to put Maggie Kondrath (Downingtown, Pa.) 1v1 with the Canada goalkeeper. Kondrath finished the opportunity by eliminating the goalkeeper and pushing it into the goal.

Stats: Penalty Corners: USA: 15  |  CAN: 2

Similar to the previous match, USA dominated the start of the game but this time couldn't capitalize. After a scoreless first quarter, a determined USA kept at it and found the back of the net after Nemeth scored, assisted by Kondrath, in a 1v1 situation with the Canada goalkeeper in the 20th minute. The second goal was scored after a penalty corner variation between Mia Schoenbeck (Lagrange, Ky.) and Hollamon and was finished on a reverse deflection of Macy Szukics (Malvern, Pa.). With seconds to go before the end of the half, Canada scored on a fast break on a broken USA penalty corner to make it 2-1

In the second half, USA only allowed two circle entries by Canada. Paige Bitting (Hummelstown, Pa.), Mia Abello (Houston, Texas) and Lauren DeRose (Collegeville, Pa.) intercepted many of the long threats Canada tried to send. Midway through third frame, Bruder scored for USA off a penalty corner to make it 3-1. Fantastic pressing by Kondrath and Nemeth put Lauren Masters (Pittstown, N.J.) in a position to score. A strong forehand hit of a penalty corner by Schoenbeck made it 5-1 and shortly after Canada scored the final goal of the game on a fast break for the 5-2 final.

Stats: Penalty Corners: USA: 12  |  CAN: 2

USA controlled the game from start to finish, only allowing three defensive circle entries all game. In the 10thminute, Nemec scored to make it 1-0 after an assist off the left baseline from Kondrath. Goalkeeper Kylie Walbert (Leesburg, Va.) saved a Canada penalty corner to keep the score to 1-0 at halftime.

USA switched gears in the second half and added four more goals. Schoenbeck converted off a penalty corner and Bradford scored following a great press. Dru Moffett (Townsend, Del.) added her name to the scoresheet after Hope Haynes (Katy, Texas) stole the ball off a Canada defender in their own circle. The final goal came from a quick attack free hit where Schoenbeck pushed it into the goal. Late in the game Canada scored to make the final score 5-1.

Stats: Penalty Corners: USA: 7  |  CAN: 4

In the final match of the four-game series, USA capitalized early on their opportunities. Bruder assisted Haynes who finished with a hard shot in the top corner. A quick counter allowed Canada to equalize with 2 minutes left in the first quarter.

USA started the second frame very strong with back-to-back goals. Schoenbeck assisted Szukics on an attack penalty corner. After strong pressing by Gia Whalen (Paoli, Pa.) and Ava Moore (Southampton, N.J.), Szukics finished on a pass from Bianco across the cage. A strong interception by Kelsey Reviello (Colonial Beach, Va.) followed by a great pass put Kondrath at the top of circle. After eliminating multiple defenders, Kondrath passed the ball to Masters who finished to make it 4-1. The final USA goal came from Moore deflected on the reverse a penalty corner shot from Bianco. Canada responded by finishing their attack penalty corner opportunity for the final score of 5-2.
Stats: Penalty Corners: USA: 4  |  CAN: 2

For more information on the Rise USWNT vs. Canada Series, visit the event page.

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