CAPE TOWN, South Africa - The 2022 World Masters Hockey (WMH) World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa has come to an end. All USA teams finished in the top-10 or better and gained invaluable experience throughout the event.

Saturday, October 8, 2022

O-55 Men 3 - 5 Ireland (Class.)

In a classification match, the U.S. O-55 Men's Masters Team took on Ireland.

Another lovely sunny day in Cape Town with mid-morning temperature hovering around 62° F degree.

In the first quarter, USA scored early on with a brilliant pass into the circle from Vijay Singh (Tracy, Calif.) and Ian Wagge (Scarborough, Maine) successfully scoring the goal. In the 21st minute, Ireland went on to score their first goal after being awarded a penalty corner. To the dismay of the USA, in the 27th minute, a penalty stroke was awarded to Ireland due to an aggressive play by USA's goalkeeper. Ireland went on to convert the penalty stroke taking the lead 2-1.

In the 31st minute, USA was awarded a penalty corner and converted with a great push out by Roberto Sabella (Key Biscayne, Fla.) and a shot by Greg Pereira (Fulton, Md.). Ireland continued to play well and took the lead by scoring three field goals in the second and third frames. USA were awarded multiple penalty corners in the third and fourth quarters but could not convert until the 70th minute when USA was awarded a penalty corner. Midfielder Joost Douwes (Stanwood, Wash.) accurately pushed out the ball to Sabella who scored the goal.

The O-55 Men will play in the 9th/10th game tomorrow against Scotland at 7:45 a.m. ET.

O-55 Men Spirit of Masters 2 - 5 Ireland (Elim.)

In an elimination contest, the U.S. O-55 Men's Spirit of Masters Team faced Ireland.

Ireland came out of the gates fast, scoring in the opening minute and tallying three more before the 42nd minute. USA regrouped and converted on a penalty corner in the 45th minute by Matthew Licciardello (Fredericksburg, Va.). Ireland responded a minute later to make it 5-1 but USA found the back of the goal one more time, against off a penalty corner through Malik Ahtar (Owings Mills, Md.).

O-50 Women 4 - 0 Ireland (5th-8th)

In a 5th-8th placement match, the U.S. O-40 Women's Masters Team took on Ireland.

Ireland opened the scoring in the 4th minute through a field goal and doubled their lead in the 16th minute. Static for a period of time, Ireland went on to tally two more goals, in the 33rd and 41st minutes, for the 4-0 win.

O-55 Women 2 - 1 Wales (9th/10th)

The U.S. O-55 Women's Masters Team went head-to-head with Wales in the 9th/10th place game.

Wales would get on the board first with a quick goal in the first quarter off a tip. USA's strikers were relentless with quick passes and good circle penetration winning several penalty corner attempts. Defense standout Christine Couteau (San Jose, Calif.) struck gold finally converting a penalty corner with a booming shot from the top to tie the game at 1-1.

Wales quickly convert at the start of the third with a blistering shot to put them up by one. USA continued to press with several close chances and key contributions from reserves Stella Volpe (Blacksburg, Va.), Laura Mena (North Miami, Fla.) and Marina Winn (Chandler, Ariz.) but were unable to find the net for the timing goal.

The O-55 Women finished the WMH World Cup in 10th.

O-60 Women 1 - 1 (SO 3 - 4) Wales (5th-8th)

It took shootouts to decide the 5th-8th placement game between the U.S. O-60 Women's Masters Team and Wales.

The first quarter ended with no goals as both teams were holding on tight. USA goalkeeper Pam Sherry (Collegeville, Pa.) saved a few great shots and gave the defense a solid foundation.

USA got on the scoreboard in the second quarter through Cindi Wetmore (Ithaca, N.Y.) just for Wales to answer with a goal of their own in the third frame. The final nail biting quarter played out with neither team scoring, taking them to shoot outs. Tied at 2-2 through two rounds of the shootout, with Josie Worthington (Owings Mills, Md.) and Cathy Jackson (Wilmington, Del.) converting, USA and Wales shared tallies in the third and fourth, but it was Wales who was the lone scorer in the fifth.

Sunday, October 9, 2022

O-45 Men 2 - 1 Zimbabwe (9th/10th)

The U.S .O-45 Men's Masters Team took on Zimbabwe in the 9th/10th place game.

After a scoreless first quarter, it was Zimbabwe who scored first in the 23rd minute off a penalty corner. USA rallied and came from behind, to produce two goals, and claim the win. The first came in the 59th minute when Jose Rodriguez (Miami, Fla.) scored a field goal. With the clock ticking down, USA earned a penalty stroke in the 63rd minute, and it was Rodriguez who sealed the victory.

The O-45 Men finished the WMH World Cup in 9th.

O-50 Men 0 - 14 England

The U.S. O-50 Men's Masters Team conceded an unfortunate result to powerhouse England in their final pool game.

Coach Randall Hendricks put in place a defensive game plan which the team executed well. England scored twice in the first quarter and USA held them scoreless in the second quarter.

England needed to score more than 20 goals to secure firrstplace in the pool and they removed their goalkeeper in the second quarter for the additional field player. At half time, USA was trailing 2-0 and was feeling pleased with their effort.

However, in the second half, England made some adjustments and were able to apply relentless pressure to USA's midfield and backline. Goalkeeper Michael Caddy (Drake, Colo.) saved numerous shots on goal but was unable to stop them all.

The O-50 Men will play in the 9th/10th place game tomorrow against Canada at 2:00 a.m. ET.

O-50 Women 0 - 1 Chile (7th/8th)

The U.S. O-50 Women's Masters Team played Chile in the 7th/8th place game. These teams played during pool play, with the match ending scoreless.

After three strong quarters by USA, Chile scored in the fourth frame of this re-match. Time prevented USA from matching the goal. USA was disadvantaged by a recent injury sustained by co-captain and midfielder Sue Elliott (Fountainville, Pa.).

As usual, USA goalkeepers Jen Anderson (Owings Mills, Md.) and Lori Miller (Newsmantown, Pa.) performed beautifully.

Mel Emery (Big Sky, Mont.), Beth Montagano and Silvinia Puccia (Woodland Hills, Calif.) anchored the defense. Clara Ambrose (Westport, Conn.), Jennifer Bandara (Boiling Springs. Pa.), Sandy Binder (Los Angeles, Calif.), Kelly Lawler (Philadelphia, Pa.) and Florencia Manero (Key Biscayne, Fla.) manned the midfield, led by co-captain and Olympian Pam Stuper (Petersburg, Fla.). The attack line was managed by another Olympian, Laurel Martin (Baltimore, Md.), who guided Margaret Kelly (Needham, Mass.), Nonna Mamdedova (Fairfield, N.J.) and Chandra Bozelko as strikers.

Prior to the game, USA had set out several individual and team goals; they can be checked off as achieved. After mapping areas for growth, the O-50 Women are looking toward 2024.

The O-50 Women finished the WMH World Cup in 8th.

O-60 Women 2 - 0 Belgium (7th/8th)

The U.S. O-60 Women's Masters Team met Belgium in the 7th/8th place game.

A great fight, USA opened the scoring in the 33rd minute when Diane Angstadt (Middletown, Pa.) converted off a penalty corner. The red, white and blue extended their lead in the 48th minute when Laura Barton (Salida, Colo.) found the back of the net. An intense fourth quarter played out with no goals being scored and USA taking the 2-0 win.

The O-60 Women finished the WMH World Cup in 7th.

O-65 Women 0 - 1 Scotland (Elim.)

An an elimination game, the U.S. O-65 Women's Masters Team played Scotland.

There was outstanding goalkeeping by Lorraine Lewis (Bethesda, Md.), as well as defenders Deb Atkins (Quarryville, Pa.) and Dixie Erdman (Hummelstown, Pa.). With seconds left in the second quarter, Scotland got the ball behind the goalkeeper and USA defender Sandie Inglis (Silver Spring, Md.) made an incredible save by diving to knock the ball out of bounds.

Going into the third quarter at the 6-minute mark, Scotland scored on a shot from the right side of the circle. With 4:33 left in the game, USA pulled their goalkeeper in an attempt to convert a goal. Even with multiple opportunities, USA finish in third place winning the bronze medal.

Monday, October 10, 2022

O-50 Men 2 - 3 Canada (9th/10th)

In the 9th/10th place match, the U.S. O-50 Men's Masters Team went head-to-head with Canada.

It has been a great tournament for the team – full of highs and lows. Continuous improvement occurred across every match under the diligent tutelage of coach Randall Hendricks.

It was a game that saw the lead change a number of times. Canada opened the scoring in the first quarter with USA responding in the second quarter to even the score. Angus Miller (Bedminster, N.J.) drove a rebound off the goalkeeper's pads home for the tying score.

Forward Jagpreet Sandhu (Walnut, Calif.). put USA ahead 2-1 with an excellent shot on goal after a great passage of play.

However, Canada came back to tie it and eventually take the lead. Goalkeeper Caddy was resolute in defense, denying Canada numerous opportunities. His save on a penalty stroke in the fourthquarter was inspirational to the team.

All in the all, the team had an enjoyable tournament. They played hard, won the respect of their competitors and formed many new friendships. The team is committed to improving their play and expand the U.S. Masters playing opportunities for all age groups and be ready to compete in the 2024 WMH World Cup.

O-55 Men 0 - 7 Scotland (9th/10th)

In the 9th/10th place match, the U.S. O-55 Men's Masters Team met Scotland.

Scoreless through the first 8 minutes, Scotland tallied first in the 9th minute and went on to add six more.

Final Standings

O-45 Men - 9th

O-50 Men - 10th

O-55 Men - 10th

O-55 Men Spirit of Masters - 5th

O-50 Women - 8th

O-55 Women - 10th

O-60 Women - 7th

O-65 Women - 3rd

2022 WMH World Cup Wraps up in Cape Town, South Africa

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