Hockey Olympic Qualifiers: In the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers here on Tuesday, the US women’s hockey team shocked New Zealand 1-0 to wrap off Pool B play with three straight victories and the top place with nine points.
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Hockey Olympic Qualifiers
Here at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro-Turf Hockey Stadium, the Americans prevailed thanks to a crucial goal from Elizabeth Yeager in the second quarter and a masterful defense. Celsey Bing, their goalie, made several incredible saves to keep them in the game.
With five 4% of the possession, the United States outperformed their opponents, making 10 circle entries compared to New Zealand’s six, and scoring seven shots on goal. The US had three PCs, but the Black Sticks had four.
As a consequence, with nine points from three victories, the US advanced to the semifinals. The outcome of the India vs. Italy match will determine who finishes in second place in this group. With three points now held by both the hosts and New Zealand, they will finish second if they defeat Italy.
Entering the game, New Zealand knew that a victory would be their only chance to get to the Olympics.
They had the first opportunity when they attacked in the third minute, but Samantha Child was unable to intercept the last pass because it was too powerful.
A few minutes later, the United States got the game’s first penalty corner in the eighth minute, but they were unable to take advantage of it. They had another penalty corner two minutes later, but it was ineffective as well.
After Elizabeth Yeager converted a penalty corner in the 17th minute, the United States took the lead early in the second quarter.
International Hockey Federation
The Black Sticks ladies went in pursuit of an equalizer but a stout United States defence prevented them. The forwards from New Zealand also failed to complete a pass well enough to set themselves up for a great opportunity. The USA led the other side by a single goal when the two teams entered the half.
Although their attacker blocked a US defender and was ruled out, New Zealand felt they had equalized. During this session, they were able to bag two PCs but not convert.
In the fourth quarter, New Zealand’s coach Phil Burrows spoke off the goalie and went all out. The US almost took advantage of that and scored a goal, but the TV umpire disqualified it due to a foul on a video referral. After that little fright, the Black Sticks summoned their goalie back.
With five minutes remaining, New Zealand substituted their goalie. They were awarded a penalty corner, but their captain, Megan Hull, missed the mark. When the video umpire determined that the ball had struck a defender’s foot, they were awarded another PC. However, the initial rusher deflected Olivia Merry’s hit.
A third consecutive PC was awarded to New Zealand, but this time American defender Ashley Hoffman foiled the attack with a diving interception. The Americans had a few chances, but they were unable to take a decent shot at the untended goal.
However, that was irrelevant as the time ran out, providing the US with an unforgettable win.
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