PARIS, France – For the first time in 8 years, the U.S. Olympic Women’s Field Hockey Team stepped on an Olympic pitch at Yves-du-Manoir Stadium in Paris, France. With a roster of athletes making their Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, nerves were high, especially against familiar opponent No. 2 Argentina. In a statistically even contest, with USA holding the edge in shots, Las Leonas made the most of their opportunities as they topped the United Eagles 1-4.
“Tonight was a frustrating night as we created far more chances than we have during my tenure, but failed to convert and were then punished for errors we made,” said David Passmore, USWNT Head Coach, following the game. “That said it was a huge step for these athletes who today all become Olympians and the experience will stand to us. There is a lot of emotion during your first Olympic Games match but most took it in stride and we played with good energy for the most part and some pleasing attacking flow. We will bounce back stronger and hopefully take the learnings into Monday’s match against Spain.”
It took midway through the first quarter for action to pick up. A threat by Las Leonas up the middle was met by a hard tackle from Ashley Hoffman (Mohnton, Pa.) and turned into a one-on-one situation with goalkeeper Kelsey Bing (Houston, Texas). Bing came out of the goal and made the tackle, but a penalty stroke was called. Upon review, Bing’s tackle was clean, but Hoffman was issued a 2-minute green card. Within the same minute, Argentina earned their first penalty corner, but Bing denied the close deflection. In the 10th minute, USA produced their first entry and shot when Maddie Zimmer (Hershey, Pa.) used quick skills to enter on the left and rip a backhand on goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino.
Three minutes into the second frame, Argentina got on the board when a cross got through the circle and Rocio Sanchez one-time swept it into the net. Following, the United Eagles took it down the other way and produced a series of shots. The first came in the 20th minute when Ashley Sessa (Schwenksville, Pa.) sailed a backhand over the goal and moments later it was Sessa again, this time with a forehand, that was stopped by Cosentino. Abby Tamer (Dexter, Mich.) was on the rebound but was immediately swarmed by Argentina defenders. With a minute to go, an undisciplined foul by USA was upgraded to a penalty corner for Las Leonas. Amanda Golini (Randolph, N.J.) ran a great line on the first attempt but on the second try, Agustina Gorzelany tallied to make it 0-2. USA didn’t let up and kept pushing and with 3 second to go before the break, a similar situation panned out, when Karlie Kisha (Hamburg, Pa.) took a free hit inside the attacking 25 quickly which was upgraded. Hoffman’s drag was stopped by Cosentino and USA was unable to produce on the second try.
USA cut the margin 3 minutes into the third quarter when Megan Valzonis (San Diego, Calif.) got it in the right corner and crossed it to Zimmer. She tried to turn to set herself up on the reverse but did a small pass to Sessa who put it in. Continuing to threaten, Phia Gladieux (Oley, Pa.) registered a backhand that was saved off the stick of Cosentino. Las Leonas added to their lead in the 44th minute when Julieta Jankunas sent it into the bottom corner of the goal to make it 1-3.
Just a minute inside the final period, Argentina added another when a long ball into the circle was deflected high by a USA defender and Zoe Diaz touched it in over Bing’s head. Even though they were trailing 1- 4, USA kept attacking and earned a set piece in the 50th minute. Hoffman’s drag was saved off the glove of a diving Cosentino’s while the United Eagles followed up with a baseline attempt. Continuing to push, USA earned a succession of penalty corners in the 55th minute. Hoffman’s first drag attempt was stopped, and Beth Yeager (Greenwich, Conn.) followed up with another two tries but to no avail. Argentina was down three players after a green and two yellow cards and the United Eagles kept threatening but ran out of time.
Tonight’s match marked a career milestone as Meredith Sholder (Fleetwood, Pa) played in her 50th international match for Team USA.
USA will play No. 7 Spain on Monday, July 29 at 7:15 a.m. ET in their second pool game. Fans can watch it live on USA Network or stream it on Peacock.
For more information regarding Paris 2024, visit the event page.
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By USWNT
