August 1, 2024
Photo Courtesy: @teamusa
PARIS, France - In a crucial match against Great Britain, the United States women’s field hockey team fell short, suffering a 5-2 loss that ended their hopes of advancing to the knockout round in the 2024 Summer Olympics.
The defeat came despite a strong offensive showing in the first half, but defensive lapses ultimately cost them the game.
Great Britain, although not the strongest opponent faced by the U.S. in the tournament, proved decisive. The Eagles entered the match with just one point, sitting fifth in Pool B. With Australia and Argentina already securing two of the four available quarterfinal spots, a win was essential for the U.S. to stay in contention. Great Britain, with four points, was just ahead of the U.S. in the standings.
The game started poorly for the U.S. when Great Britain scored three minutes in, with a shot deflecting off U.S. goalkeeper Kelsey Bing. However, Abby Tamer quickly equalized for the U.S. with a goal from a penalty corner, tying the match 1-1.
The U.S. played their best quarter of the tournament, maintaining the score evenly by halftime and earning six penalty corners.
In the second half, Great Britain pulled ahead, scoring twice before halftime. The first goal slipped between Bing's pads, and the second came from a well-executed series of passes. Tamer managed to score again before the break, but the U.S. defense remained vulnerable. Great Britain added two more goals in the third quarter, extending their lead to 5-2.
Photo Courtesy: @meredith_sholder
Despite a late push by the U.S., including three green cards and eight penalty corners, they could not close the gap. With six minutes left, Bing was substituted for an extra attacker, but the move failed to turn the tide. The loss effectively ended the U.S. team’s Olympic campaign in Paris. They are set to play their final match against South Africa on Saturday, August 3, at 07:15 EST.
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