USA's U-17 women's hockey team defeats Ireland by 4-1 in third game of Holland Tour
USA’s U-17 Women’s National Team won the third match of their Holland tour, played against Ireland by 4-1 in Amsterdam on April 21.
After the last games defeat from Pinoke, the American U-17 women managed to secure their second win of the international tour on giving a tough fight to the Irish juniors. The US junior team had introduced an improved midfield with excellent execution of
passes among the team-members.
USA’s first goal was inaugurated by the striker, Alyssa Chillano, when she hit a goal from the top of the Irish defensive circle. An Irish defender deflected the ball over the goalkeeper’s head, hence, directing the ball into the goal.
Within the first half, the score was levelled at 1-1 by the Irish juniors when a shot failed to be deflected by the US goal-keeper, Samantha Zeiders. The first half concluded at 1-1 each.
The second half was a tough head-to-head when both the teams played off very well with the help of their strong defensive wing. No additions to the score-board was made until the closing twenty minutes of the match, when Chillano reappeared in the Irish
circle attempting a penalty-corner hit.
The US hockey juniors advanced to a lead of 2-1, putting pressure over their opponents during the remaining minutes of the match.
In the next minutes, US was dominating the field with attacks one after the other. Consecutively, they earned two more goals over Ireland before the close of the match.
One of these goals was delivered by Gabrielle Major followed by an out-class score-shot by Tara Vittese in the last second of the match, closing the match at 4-1 score.
The U-17 American juniors were named the day’s victory over the Irish counterparts.
At the end of the match, USA U-17 team’s Assistant Coach Char Morett said, “Today was a proud moment to see how the USA side came together and played as a team in their first international match against Ireland. A new system put in place to strength the
midfield worked well despite a lack of opportunity to practice it. This definitely illustrates the girls knowledge of the game is increasing.”
The US U-17 juniors are all set to play the 22nd Domo International Easter Hockey Tournament, being the part of their Holland tour.
The victory over Ireland has built up their confidence to play the weekend matches that have been organised for the celebration of Easter.
The tournament will take place at the HOD Club in Valkenswaard, Netherland on April 24-25, that will hold both U-17 Boys' and Girls' competitions. However, the USA Field Hockey has only sent its U-17 Junior Girls' to compete in the event.
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