Sept. 28, 2006
Courtsey of U.S. Field Hockey
MADRID, Spain - Defending World Cup champion Argentina jumped out to a two-goal first half lead and held on to defeat the USA Field Hockey women on the opening day of the Samsung Women's World Cup, 2-1.
"We didn't start well and we paid the price," said USA coach Lee Bodimeade after his team gave up a goal in the third minute of play. "We had some opportunities. We missed an open net and hit the post in the first half and you have to take advantage of those kind of opportunities if you want to be a serious contender at the World Cup."
Winning their tenth straight World Cup match that includes a run to the 2002 championships, Argentina jumped on the USA early when Soledad Garcia scored on a penalty corner in the third minute. Argentina added to the lead in the 32nd minute when Magdalena Aicega scored on a penalty corner for a 2-0 Argentina advantage.
The USA got back into the game as time expired in the first half when Kelly Doton smashed a penalty corner that was deflected high into the air and landed just inside the Argentina goal.
"Getting that corner goal at the end of the half gave us some belief that, yes they do belong here and can compete with the best of teams," Said Bodimeade. "We had a chance to get all the butterflies out and re-access what we needed to do at halftime and the girls went out and played. In doing that, they showed what they can do when they apply themselves."
The USA grabbed control of the game throughout much of the second half and silenced the vocal Argentina contingent at Madrid's Club de Campo. However the USA could not connect on the equalizer after Tiffany Snow's shot in front to the goal mouth was stuffed at the stick and April Fronzoni's diving attempt at an Angie Loy pass was kicked away at the last second by sliding Argentina goalkeeper Mariela Antoniska.
USA goalkeeper Amy Tran kept the USA in the game with a series of saves with 20 minutes remaining in the half when she turned away the Argentina attack on three consecutive penalty corner attempts.
The USA (0-1) will not turn its attention to Australia, a 1-0 first-day winner over South Africa.
"We have a lot of girls playing in their first World Cup," said Bodemeade on his team's baptism into World Cup play. "I'm sure we'll be better for it."