Oct. 2, 2006
Courtsey of US Field Hockey
MADRID, Spain - The USA Field Hockey women's national team received goals from former Lady Monarch Angie Loy along iwth Carrie Lingo and April Fronzoni to down South Africa 3-1 and earn its first victory at the Samsung World Cup.
The win raises the USA record to 1-2-1 (4 points) at the World Cup and keeps the team in contention for a spot in the 6th-8th place playoff in the 12-team tournament. The USA currently stands fourth in the six-team Pool B behind Australia, Argentina and Korea. The loss drops South Africa to 0-2-2 (2 points) while Japan also remains winless at 0-2-2 (2 points).
"I always thought we were pretty close to putting in a really good performance," said Lee Bodimeade after his team dominated the first half of play on the way to the victory. "South Africa is a really good side and you have to really work hard for a win. We're very happy to come away with it."
Led by captain Kate Barber, the quicker USA continually thwarted South Africa on defense while creating its own scoring offensive opportunities.
"We knew it was going to take a lot of energy and a lot of persistence," said Barber on the USA's swarming effort. "We rotated a lot today and everybody who stepped on the field contributed and gave us a lift and the energy we needed."
The USA's persistence paid off in the 13th minute when Loy tapped in a shot from in front of the South Africa goal to give the USA a 1-0 lead. The team added to the advantage 10 minutes later when Lingo knocked in a ball off of a penalty corner to give the USA a 2-0 halftime lead.
South Africa responded in the second half when Marcia Marescia scored on a well-executed, two-pass penalty corner to pull South Africa to within 2-1.
The USA quickly regained the momentum however when Fronzoni tapped in a goal from off the left post in the 52nd minute to clinch the victory.
The USA can earn ensure itself a spot in the 6th-8th place playoff with a victory over Korea in its final game of play in Pool B. The outcome of other games may also keep the USA in the 6th-8th bracket with a draw or a loss.
"It's not quite as daunting a situation as it may have been in the past for us," said Bodimeade on the team's upcoming match against Korea. "We're in control of it and we just have to go hard at the Koreans and hopefully we'll play well."