USA U-19 women team ties the first match of the series
The US Under-19 women played their first match against the Junior Chilean National team yesterday, on April 20 in Santiago, Chile that ended up in a draw at 1-1.
The US side showed off their best abilities in the field in order to overpower the host team on their home soil. Considering the improvements made in the Canadian series held in March, US was confident to face off the physically competitive team on the first
day.
Undoubtedly, the US women dominated the first half by retaining the ball within the attacking 1/3rd of the field. The American juniors were awarded many shorts-corners and strokes, but failed to avail even a single scoring opportunity in hand.
With the clock ticking towards the closing of the first half, US’s Maxine Fluharty lent a pass to her team-mate striker, Katie Gerzabek, dodging two of the Chilean defenders within the lane.
In a similar manner, Gerzabek cleverly cleared her way to the goal-post by denying two of the Chilean defenders and attempted a hit that went past Chile’s goal-keeper. The goal opened up the scores at 1-0 lead over Chile with the close of the first half.
The US U-19 Head Coach, Carla Tagliente, acknowledged the smart effort made by the forwards to score the goal, putting pressure over Chile.
In the second half, US continued its over-powering play over the host team with the help of its strong defensive wing including Emily Wold as full back along with the two mid-fielders Abby Beltrani and Chrissy Davidson who highly contributed in directing
the play for the forwards.
In the middle of the half play, US appeared on the front foot to hold another score against Chile, but got beaten up with an instant counter-attack from the opponent team, hence, equalising the score at 1-1.
The sudden attack from the Chilean strikers failed to be denied and Chile made a comeback to the game with their opening score.
The match got heated up in the last ten minutes when US received several scoring opportunities that went in vain. The match concluded with no more additions to the score-board, hence, closing the first match at 1-1 draw.
The US U-19 Junior women will have a training session today, on April 21 before the next scheduled matches against the top Chilean hockey clubs. The remaining schedule is as follows:
April 21 USA v Chile Craighouse School
April 23 USA v Chile PWCC (Prince of Whales Country Club)
April 24 USA v Chile Manquehue Club
Previously, three of the talented American Junior women that had missed the Canadian series, held in March, had their chance to represent the US U-19 squad in the current Holland tour.These three players are Emily Wold, Maddy Carpenter and Maxine Fluharty.
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