USA defeats Scotland by 3-0 in the 2011 Electric Ireland FIH Champions Challenge 1
After an unbeatable record of four prestigious wins, Scotland was thumped by the US women with a 0-3 defeat in the semi-final match of the 2011 Electric Ireland FIH Champions Challenge 1 that took place in Dublin, Ireland, on June 25.
During the first half, few potential attempts from the Scottish side were either missed or were turned down by the American defence in the beginning. Vikki Bunce passed the ball to Holly Cram, who was standing in the American defensive circle, but
was missed. Moreover, Nikki Kidd made scoring efforts twice that were strategically let down by the American defenders.
Soon, USA was on the front-foot to attempt goals that the Scottish goal-keeper, Abi Walker along with Bunce and Emily Maguire stood firm and strong to deny each of the opponent’s shot.
Scotland received a penalty-corner from Kareena Marshall, however, Kidd’s conversion attempt failed followed by a rebound that also went wide of the goal. Conclusively, the first half closed with no additions to a score-board at 0-0.
In the second half, American women were more composed and focused as their strikers rushed into the Scottish defensive circle making attempts, but these were brilliantly saved by Walker.
However, America’s Paige Selenski tapped the ball into the goal in the 43rd minute, breaking the score-lock to a 1-0 lead. One of their players was shown the yellow card, reducing the number to ten, but still they succeeded with a score, when Caroline
Nichols converted a penalty corner, advancing their lead to 2-0.
Scotland gave an immediate response with a counter-attack, when Bunce made a reverse-stick shot. Disappointingly, the shot went wide, keeping scores intact at 2-0.
America’s Melissa Gonzalez added into the team’s lead when she dived over the pass thrown by Katie O’Donnell and shot it into the goal, setting scores at 3-0.
The match concluded with no goals from the Scottish side, qualifying USA for the final match against Japan, the next day.
Before the opening of the match, Scotland’s captain, Linda Clement, celebrated her 100th international cap and she played the 'Flower of Scotland' on the piper.
Scottish team’s Head Coach, Gordon Shepherd, commented that the team had over-exceeded the expectations with their overall performance at the challenge.
Scotland team will be up against Spain in the play-off match, on June 26, in a fight for a bronze-medal win.
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