Germany Tops USWNT Behind Early Goals in FIH Hockey Pro League

ANTWERP, Belgium – In the first game of the mini-tournament of the 2022-23 FIH Hockey Pro League at Sportcentrum Wilrijkse Plein-Antwerp, the No. 16 U.S. Women’s National Team met No. 5 Germany. Although the score line did not reflect the performance of the USA, Die Danas made the most of their opportunities on their way to a 6-0 victory.

Seconds after the starting whistle, Germany took an early lead after Charlotte Stapenhorst fought in the circle, sent a reverse sweep across the frame and Lisa Notle touched it in. Die Danas continued to be a forward threat, testing USA’s defense and goalkeeper Kelsey Bing (Houston, Texas). Germany doubled their lead in the 9th minute after Felicia Wiedermann played an advantage and sent a backhand into the net. Trailing 2-0, the United Eagles generated some attack but struggled to maintain control in their attacking-25.

Germany came out on the front foot in the second quarter after Bing denied a backhand by Stapenhorst. In the 20th minute, Die Danas earned the first penalty corner of the game after a referral. Although the first attempt ended in a re-award, Bing came up big on the second set piece making three key saves. First, she denied a low drag by Sonja Zimmermann, then stopped a forehand shot by Zimmermann and finally saved a backhand by Jule Bleuel. In the 23rd minute, Kira Horn was issued a green card, and this sparked some offense for USA. Within the same minute, Danielle Grega (Kingston, Pa.) stayed strong on the ball and earned the United Eagles a penalty corner. Following a miss trap at the top, Karlie Kisha (Hamburg, Pa.) slipped it left for Ashley Hoffman (Mohnton, Pa.) who got a drag off that was stopped before it reached the frame. Die Danas added to their lead, tallying another two goals in the 26th and 28th minutes. The first came off a penalty corner when Zimmermann’s shot was deflected in by Selin Oruz, and next a long ball into the circle was deflected by Stapenhorst. USA went into the break down 4-0.

The United Eagles had their best display of attacking opportunities in the third quarter, and even saw a penalty stroke go unconverted. In the 37th minute, good ball movement down the left sideline got to Abigail Tamer (Dexter, Mich.) who cut infield and was taken to the turf outside the circle, but the call was upgraded to a penalty corner. Hoffman’s drag on the set piece hit Germany’s post player’s foot inside the frame, which earned them the penalty stroke. In the same minute, Germany also earned a penalty corner, but the quick reactions of Bing maintained the score line. Die Danas’ persistence paid off in the 42nd minute when Horn stole the ball and got it to Stapenhorst who put it into the roof of the net to make it 5-0.

With a large hole to dig out of USA maintained belief and continued to push forward when the opportunity presented. At the other end, Bing maintained her ways, making some brilliant saves between the pipes to keep Germany at bay. As the clock ticked down and within the final 2 minutes, Die Danas had back-to-back penalty corners and finally broke through when Wiedermann notched her second of the game to make the final score 6-0.

Following the game, Germany’s Charlotte Stapenhorst was named Player of the Match.

USA will take on No. 4 Belgium on Sunday, July 2 at 10:40 a.m. ET in their second FIH Hockey Pro League game of the mini-tournament in Antwerp, Belgium.

For more information regarding the FIH Hockey Pro League, visit the event page.

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