USA Field Hockey Defeats New Zealand 4-1
August 16, 2008 | Field Hockey
Aug. 16, 2008
BEIJING - Story by Jeff Gamza - USA Field Hockey
The U.S. Olympic Team for Women's Field Hockey defeated New Zealand 4-1 Saturday at the Olympic Green Hockey Stadium.
The win gives the United States five standings points, tied with Argentina for second place. The USA remains in contention for a spot in the semifinal rounds as the remainder of Pool B plays Saturday evening.
After being plagued by slow starts the past three games, the USA seemed determined to attack early. Almost immediately, striker Keli Smith plowed through the New Zealand defense with deft stick work and scored the first goal to set the tone for the match.
The American assault continued, as the majority of play in the first fifteen minutes was spent on the New Zealand side of the pitch. On a penalty corner in the 12th minute, Kelly Doton launched a pass to Angie Loy, who sat undefended at the edge of the goal. Loy chipped it in for a 2-0 U.S. lead.
New Zealand slowly regained their form from the Oceania Cup Championship. As action shifted to the American side of the field, USA goalkeeper Amy Tran made several glove and kick-saves on New Zealand's six first half shots. New Zealand opened the second half with a quick penalty corner, and Joanne Galletly sailed past Tran to tighten the score at 2-1.
Six minutes later, Keli Smith scored her second goal of the day from a penalty corner, which featured a slick set of fake shots from the battery. Kayla Bashore eventually passed it into the middle, where Smith received the ball and deflected it past New Zealand goalkeeper Beth Jurgeleit.
The USA added a fourth goal in the 47th minute on another penalty corner, as Bashore deflected a Doton pass into the net, a play similar to Smith's second goal.
Germany, undefeated in Pool B, faces Argentina later today. A victory from Germany may give the USA a window to sneak past Argentina in the final standings. The United States faces Great Britain on Monday, August 18 at 6 p.m. in the final pool play game of the Olympics.
