DAY TWELVE VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

Video highlights of Day Twelve are now available. >>

 

NETHERLANDS 3, ARGENTINA 0

 

USA FALLS TO CHINA FOR EIGHTH PLACE

August 15, 2009 – The USA Women’s Field Hockey Junior World Cup Team fell to China, 8-2, in the 7/8 classification match at the 2009 BDO Women’s Junior World Cup. The result slots the USA for an eighth place finish. Julia Reinprecht and Michelle Gandhi scored for the USA.

The first half of play was a battle between the two teams, with both teams pressuring each other’s defenses. Zhang Wenting was the first to break through for China in the 11th minute after the USA defended a China penalty corner.

The U.S. women were unable to capitalize on several scoring opportunities in the first half.

Zhao Yudiao scored back-to-back goals in the first half, with field goals in the 31st and 35th minute.

In the second half, the USA defense was again unable to fend off China’s aggressive pressure. Zhao Yudiao repeated her first half action in the second half with back-to-back goals, first with a field goal in the 44th minute and then with a penalty corner in the 47th minute of play.

China continued to pressure the U.S. defense when Fu Lixin scored off a field goal in the 49th minute.

In the 56th minute of play, U.S. goalkeeper Jackie Kintzer charged the ball but Zhao Yudiao was able to notch in another goal to extend China’s lead 7-0.

Despite the U.S.’s attempts to increase their intensity, China’s Zhang Ying was able to score off a penalty corner in the 63rd minute of play.

In the 66th minute of play, the USA finally broke the Chinese shutout with a goal as Katelyn Falgowski fired the ball to Julia Reinprecht (Princeton / North Wales, PA), making the score 8-1.

In the final minute of play, Camille Gandhi (Stanford / Stanford, CA) boosted the score with a blast on a U.S. penalty corner.

Closing ceremonies will take place tomorrow, August 16 following the gold medal match between Argentina and the Netherlands at 3:30.

 

TAKE THE WJWC FAN SURVEY!

If you were able to attend any of the great games at the 2009 BDO Women's Junior World Cup, we'd like to know about your experience!Take the fan survey! >>

 

DAY NINE VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

Video highlights of Day Nine are now available. >>

 

DAY EIGHT VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

Video highlights of Day Eight are now available. >>

 

USA DEFEATS CHILE, 4-0

August 11, 2009 - The USA defeated Chile, 4-0, in their final game of crossover play at the 2009 BDO Women’s Junior World Cup. The USA will likely play in the 7/8 classification match on Saturday, August 15 at 4:30pm. Their opponent will determined by competition tomorrow in Pool F play.

The first half of play was tighly contested, as Chile and the USA traded possession and scoring opportunities. In the 26th the USA broke through when Marta Malmberg  (Marathon HS / Marathon, NY) converted a penalty stroke to a 1-0 lead.  

“I was thinking about staying composed,” said Malmberg of the stroke. “I was thinking about the placement of the ball. It’s very instinctual. I was excited to score, but I knew we had to keep playing. We had to keep playing hard.”

One of the hallmarks of the USA Junior World Cup Team thus far in competition has been their tenacity and enthusiasm. In many of their previous matches, they controlled the tempo of play and possessed the ball. However, in the first half against Chile, play was much more even between the two.

“We didn’t play with the same energy we used in the past three or four games,” said Fuchs.” Chile brought that intensity. We wanted to play with intensity. We wanted to go forward and put them on the defense and stretch the field so our midfielders could be more creative.”

In the second half, Katelyn Falgowski (North Carolina / Landenberg, PA) quickly boosted the U.S. to a 2-0 lead with a field goal in the 40th minute. Juila Reinprecht streaked down the sideline and delivered a pass across the goal to Falgowksi, who was able to redirect it for the goal.

“We wanted to come with a lot of energy in the second half,” said Katelyn Falgowski.  “We started moving the ball well. Jules had an opening down the sideline, and coaches always say good things happen when you put shots on goal.  I hit it across hard and I was lucky to get a touch on it.”

Melissa Gonzalez soon followed with a diving field goal in the 44th minute to extend the lead to 3-0.

In the 62nd minute of play, Elizabeth Drazdowski completed the scoring with a field goal for a final score of 4-0.

“It was a good battle in the first half,” said Head Coach Tracey Fuchs. “We finally settled down in the second half and played with more energy in the second half. Tonight the goals finally fell for us.”

This game was a rematch of the 2008 Junior Pan American Cup. The USA defeated Chile, 2-1, after extra time to claim the championship. The game came up in pregame meetings for the USA, with talk of Chile looking for revenge.

“It definitely came into effect,” said Falgowski. “Chile came out hard. They wanted to prove something, we wanted to prove something. We wanted to finish the tournament the best we could. Every team is gunning for each other.”

Fuchs admired the team’s growth since the 2008 Junior Pan Am Cup in Mexico City.  

“Our structure is much better,” said Fuchs.  “A year and half ago, our team was a bunch of individuals. Now after a summer of playing together they’re really come together as a team. I saw that today. Finally we’re playing hockey as a team. It’s very exciting for the future.”

 

DAY SEVEN VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

Video highlights of Day Seven are now available. >>

 

Join Us on Facebook!

Updates, exclusive photos and player interviews are the USA Field Hockey Facebook page! >>

 

DAY SIX VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

Video highlights of Day Six are now available. >>

 

ENGLAND OUTLASTS USA ON DAY SIX

August 9, 2009 -The USA Field Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup Team fell to England today, 3-2, in their second of crossover play at the 2009 BDO Women’s Junior World Cup. Camille Gandhi (Stanford/Stanford, CA) and Katie Reinprecht (Princeton/North Wales, PA) scored for the USA. The Americans leveled the score twice after England took the lead, but could not answer the penalty corner goal from England’s Harriet Pearce in the 56th minute.

“We started a bit slow, but we picked up momentum and had it most of the second half,” said Head Coach Tracey Fuchs. “England made the best of their opportunities in the circle and got some goals. It’s frustrating because we’re playing well but we’re just not getting that final piece. Our team gave a great effort today, we had people diving through the circle, but it just didn’t fall for us.”  

“Obviously, we’re not happy with the result,” said Gandhi. “We were excited to come out tonight and play our hearts out. I think there were some unlucky calls, and the lack of our ability to finish, we found it difficult to get that final result.”

The U.S. dominated offensively in the first half, though England’s Loren Sherer broke through in the 20th minute of play with a field goal. Camille Gandhi quickly evened the score at with a penalty corner blast in the 23rd minute.

“It was a relief,” said Gandhi of the goal. “We’ve been practicing so hard, doing rep after rep after rep. To finally finish, it was breath of fresh air, to know all the hard work finally paid off.”

In the 47th minute, England’s Charlotte Craddock scored on a penalty stroke, but Katie Reinprecht responded with a diving goal minutes later to level the score again, 2-2.

England broke away in the 57th minute with a penalty corner from Harriet Pearce to again take the lead, 3-2.
Late in the second half, the USA inserted Rayell Heistand as a kicking back in an effort to make up the one goal difference.

“We’ve practiced it two or three times,” said Fuchs, “and every time we’ve come up with a corner in two minutes. They happened tonight as well, and we got a good shot off on that corner. It certainly shifted momentum in our favor. At this point, a loss doesn’t hurt us either way.”

Fuchs surmised fatigue may have been a factor in the loss. The USA played a tough game against Korea last night.

“We came in with 22 hours of rest, to [England’s] 32,” said Fuchs. “Is it the reason we lost? Probably not, but we did look sluggish. We’ll get some rest tomorrow and face Chile on Tuesday.”

“All I can say is, ‘Look out Chile’,” said Gandhi with a laugh, “because there’s a whole lot of anger building up for this match.”

The close losses have been disappointing, as it seems the USA has just been on the cusp of putting together a complete game and upsetting one of the tournament favorites. But even so, the players are playing against the world’s top hockey nations at the highest level, which has been an invaluable learning experience.

“I’m disappointed, but my goal is get them up to the next level,” said Fuchs.  “We’ve been in every game. We’ve played equal or better than some of the top teams in the world. That is really rewarding. As these guys develop, they are going to strive to be our next set of Olympians. So, yes I’m disappointed now, but I know that the future of USA Field Hockey will be in good hands with some of the talent we have.”  

The USA will next face Chile on Tuesday, August 11 at 7:00pm on Harvard University’s Jordan Field. Chile fell to India earlier today, 3-1.

Action continues tomorrow, featuring four games, beginning at 12:15pm between Spain and Lithuania.

The USA faces Chile on Tuesday in their final game of crossover play.

 

DAY FIVE VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

Video highlights of Day Five are now available. >>

 

USA FALLS TO KOREA ON DAY FIVE

August 8, 2009 - The USA Field Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup Team fell to defending champions Korea today, 2-1, in their first game of crossover play at the 2009 BDO Women’s Junior World Cup. Katie Reinprecht (Princeton/North Wales, PA) scored for the USA in the opening minutes of the game, but Korea mounted a solid second half comeback to take the victory.

“It was a hard fought game that could have gone either way,” said Head Coach Tracey Fuchs. “We fought hard, but we just couldn’t put it together tonight.

The USA started quickly, as Reinprecht scored in the 7th minute for an early 1-0 lead.

“I was actually organizing the play and trying to clear space,” said Reinprecht. “I didn’t realize how open I was. My sister Julie passed it to me, and I hit if far post, so if it didn’t go in, maybe someone would get a stick on it.”

The American offense pressured the Korean defensive line for much of the first half, but the USA failed to capitalize on any scoring opportunities.

“It would have been really nice to execute one of our penalty corners and take a two goal lead,” said Fuchs. “That would have put the pressure on them and force them into mistakes. In the first half, we were in good position and controlled the ball. But we missed some scoring opportunities on the far post.“

Momentum shifted in the second half, as Korea finally cracked the American defense. Lee Sukyoung scored on the penalty corner in the 56th minute to draw the game, 1-1.

“We knew they were great a corners.” said USA goalkeeper Jackie Kintzer. “That drag flick was a great shot. I saw it, I was there, and sometimes you just don’t get behind it. It was a great shot.”

Before the goal, the Korean players looked tired and frustrated; after the goal, Korean attackers played with renewed vitality, disrupting American offensive attempts and creating breakaway opportunities.

“They got some momentum,” said Fuchs. “It’s amazing in sports that one big play can bring everyone up. Once they scored on their first one, they found new muscles in their legs.”

Bae Sohyun gave Korea the lead in the 67th minute, lifting a ball past a diving Jackie Kintzer.

“I dropped too early and she sculled around me,” said Kintzer. “You give them a few seconds and they’ll get through the defense. At this level, a ball can come through at any moment. You always have to be on your guard. They can lift, too. It’s not just a straight shot coming at you.”

“They pushed a lot more players up front,” said Fuchs. “Our defense was under a lot of pressure. We did a good job of defending, but one got through. That’s the game of field hockey.”

Fuchs complemented the play of other USA Women’s Junior World Cup players.

“Kelsey Kolojejechick had a great game,” said Fuchs. “Our defensive unit played really strong and hard. Katelyn Falgowski stepped up and made some great intercepts in the back.”

The USA will face England Sunday, August 9 at 7:00pm at Jordan Field in their second crossover match.  The American finish crossover play with a contest against Chile on Tuesday, August 11 at 7:00pm.

England defeated India, 1-0, earlier in the day. England finished pool play with a record of two wins and one draw

 

DAY FIVE VIDEO PREVIEW

Video preview of Day Five is now available. >>

 

DAY FOUR VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

Video highlights of Day Four are now available. >>

 

USA DEFEAT INDIA TO FINISH POOL PLAY

August 6, 2009 - BOSTON, MA - The USA Field Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup Team defeated India, 4-2, today at Harvard University’s Jordan Field for their final game of pool play at 2009 BDO Women’s Junior World Cup. Michelle Vittese scored two goals to lead the U.S. attack.

The USA Women’s Junior World Cup Team will face Korea on Saturday, August 8 at 7:00pm in their first game of crossover play.

The USA completed pool play with a record two wins and one loss. The USA finished third in Pool D behind Australia and India. All three teams finished with identical records and final positioning was based on goal differential. The top three teams in each pool continue to the medal rounds.

“I’m very happy with the victory against a really tough and talented India team,” said Head Coach Tracey Fuchs.  “For us to come out and score four goals, it puts us back in the thick of things.”

The Americans possessed the ball for much of the first half, pressuring the India defense. The USA final broke through in the 21st minute when Laura Gebhart (Mount Joy, PA), the youngest member of the team, scored her second goal of the tournament. Gebhart chased down a loose ball and maneuvered around a group of defenders with some deft stickwork to chip in the goal.

“I was hoping for a penalty corner,” said Gebhart, “but I kept getting more room to advance, and I saw Paige [Selenski] in the far corner of the goal. I was trying to get it to her, but it just happened to pop in the goal.”

Melissa Gonzalez (Connecticut/Mohegan Lake, NY) scored the second goal for the USA seven minutes later. Sitting at the corner of the goal, she redirected a pass from Katie Reinprecht (Princeton / North Wales, PA) for the score.

“It was a blur,” said Gonzelez. “Katie gave me a great ball. I didn’t see it go in, but I did hear the clink as it hit the back of the goal, and saw Paige Selenski jumping up and down. I was happy we were able to finish.”

At halftime, the USA led 2-0. The American offense dictated the pace of the game for most of the first half, while much of India’s play was relegated to disrupting passes and stealing loose balls.  

“We controlled the tempo in the first half,” said Gonzalez. “India swarms the ball, so we tried to transfer and move their defense.  They were quick to hit the transition balls.”

“India likes to have a lot of people around the ball on defense, so our biggest tactic was to change the point of attack,” said Fuchs. “We wanted to get the ball to the other side of the field and get numbers up and deny them the ball. They are very good one-on-one, but we defended well.”

Michelle Vittese (Virginia/Woodbury, NJ) scored her first of two goals with a tip-in of her own at the beginning of the second half.

India broke the shutout with a penalty corner goal in the 44th minute from Rani Devi, but the USA responded two minutes later with a dramatic drag-flick goal from Michelle Vittese on a penalty corner of their own.

“It’s great,” said Vittese. “Coach pulled me out during practice yesterday and said, ‘I heard you had a great drag flick.’ And I did.”

“We had a great team effort,” said Gebhart. “We had some great passing combinations to create goals.”

“Katie Reinprecht really holds us together in the center,” said Fuchs, “but today was a real team effort. We had three goals scorers and many contributing.”

“We prepared really well,” said Vittese. “We watched a lot of film. We knew what they were going to do.”

India added a final penalty corner in the finals seconds from Ritu Rani.

 

 

DAY THREE VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

Video highlights of Day Three are now available. >>

DAY TWO VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

Video highlights of Day Two are now available. >>

 

USA FALL TO AUSTRALIA ON DAY TWO

August 4, 2009 - The USA Field Hockey Women's Junior World Cup Team fell to Australia, 2-1, in their second game of competition at the 2009 BDO Women's Junior World Cup in Boston in front of a capacity crowd at Harvard University’s Jordan Field.

The USA controlled most of the action in the first half, but Australia’s Tegan Holcroft notched the first goal in the 17th minute. Australia’s Marnie Hudson added a second goal at the beginning of the second half and the Jillaroos looked to pull away. But the USA mounted a furious comeback attempt, pushing forward and battling in the Australian end for most of the second half. Marta Malmberg finally broke through for a U.S. goal in the 44th minute, but the USA was unable to pull even.

“I couldn’t be prouder of our group,” said Head Coach Tracey Fuchs. “We attacked for seventy minutes. Though the score didn’t show it, we generated a lot of offense. Our team played an outstanding game.”

The USA currently sits in second place in Pool D standings with three points, behind India. Australia sits behind the USA based on goal differential, with Belarus trailing in fourth. The top three teams continue to the medal rounds.

The USA controlled possession at the start of the game, pushing forward and creating several scoring opportunities.

“We tried to spreading the field and get our forwards up really high,” said Fuchs. “Our midfielders are very creative and we could get in behind Australia instead of having to attack them in front. I thought the last ten or twelve minutes we did that and put a lot of pressure on Australia.”

The USA yielded another goal almost immediately at the start of the second half, and the Australia team looked to reassert themselves. But the USA team collected themselves and showed renewed intensity going forward.

“The urgency was very important,” said Katelyn Falgowski. “We wanted to get the tempo going and get up the field. We brought everyone together and took a nice deep breath and tried to play strong. We wanted a return out of it.”

“The game was 1-0 at half, and less than a minute in, Australia was two up,” said Walsh. “I think that jolts you a little bit. That jolt solidified what the coaching staff had done at halftime in regards to some of the tactical changes. Australia went into a defensive cocoon. That goal brought a different light to whole game. Australia was in desperate shape in their backfield.”

“We started connecting,” said Falgowski.  “When momentum shifts and you start connecting, the other team sometimes gets flustered.  We tried to capitalize on that.”

Marta Malmberg finally broke through with a U.S. goal in the 44th minute. The USA continued to pressure on offense, but several scoring changes went wanting.

“I was very impressed with the way were we were able to put so much pressure on Australia,” said USA Field Hockey Technical Director Terry Walsh.  “Australia had everything to lose today. It was a good match against one of the best junior teams in the world. It was disappointing to come away with a loss when the USA did enough for a draw.”

“I think we’re very lucky,” said Australia Head Coach Katrina Powell. “Obviously, America had most of the play. Our defense held firm and we toughed it out.”

The USA will face India on Thursday, August 6 at 7:00pm at Harvard University’s Jordan Field.

India has proven to be a formidable opponent at the 2009 BDO Women’s Junior World Cup, upsetting Australia 3-2 yesterday on a last-minute goal and dispatching Belarus 6-0 today.

 

 

DAY ONE VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

Video highlights of Day One are now available. >>

 

USA DEFEAT BELARUS TO OPEN COMPETITION

August 3, 2009 – The USA Field Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup Team defeated Belarus today, 3-1, in their first game of competition at the 2009 BDO Women’s Junior World Cup. Katie O’Donnell scored two goals to pace the U.S. attack. Laura Gephart, the youngest member of the U.S. team, added a third goal.

“I’m glad we got the win and points,” said Head Coach Tracey Fuchs. “We need to tidy up a few things and make more of our opportunities in the scoring circle. We have to come out and take care of the ball and play disciplined. We need to get good shots and get people in the right position.”

The victory puts the USA in first place in Pool D after the first day of competition. Pool D features the USA, Belarus, Australia and India. India stunned Australia with a game-winning goal in the final minute today to claim a 3-2 victory.  

The Americans face Australia on Tuesday, August 4 at 7:15pm at Harvard University’s Jordan Field.

The USA got off to a fast start, as Katie O’Donnell scored twice in a three minute span to put the Americans ahead early.

Laura Gephart added a third goal and the U.S. looked to pull away. At sixteen years old, Gephart is the youngest member of the team and is thrilled for every opportunity to play.

“It was great,” said Gephart of her goal. “I thought, I’d better to this one fast, because the defenders were right coming back.”

Fuchs recognized that nerves and adrenaline may have played a part on the quick start and scoreless second half.

“I’m sure they were a little anxious and nervous,” said Fuch. “They scored early, which helped. We had a lot of scoring opportunities. I would have liked to have scored more, but for our first match, there was a lot to build on for our game against Australia.”

USA midfielder Michelle Vittese received a yellow card in the second half and sat out eleven minutes. Playing with a player advantage, it was the opportunity for Belarus to score, but the USA was able to hold off the attack.

“Our team played really well defensively, including the forwards,” said Fuchs. “We kept the ball in front of us. We did a great job limiting their opportunities.”

Goalkeeper Jackie Kintzer made a series of impressive diving saves during a Belarus penalty corner to preserve the two goal advantage.

O’Donnell was excited and relieved to finally have the tournament begin.

“We’ve been waiting for this date,” said O’Donnell. “We’ve been training for two years for this moment. For it to finally be here was all these emotions came out the first half we played full of that emotion for twenty-five minutes. Now we need to focus on that for the whole game. “

Katie O’Donnell was a member of the last USA Women’s Junior World Cup Team, at Santiago, Chile in 2005.

“This one is better than the last,” said O’Donnell.  “I know the importance of this tournament. Last time, to me, it was just another tournament and I didn’t know what this meant. Now that I know the importance, it means so much more.”

 

 

THE 2009 BDO WOMEN'S JUNIOR WORLD CUP IS UNDERWAY!

The 2009 BDO Women's Junior World Cup is underway in Boston! Follow all the action from the largest international field hockey competition ever in the United States!

The USA will face Belarus on Monday, August 3 at 7:00pm in their first game of competition!

LINKS:

LIVE TEXT COMMENTARY - USA Field Hockey will offer live text commentary of all USA games, as well as the semifinals and finals. Follow all the action in Boston via the live text commentary!

USA Field Hockey Twitter - Get your USA Women's Junior World Cup Team updates through your mobile phone with Twitter!

USA Field Hockey Facebook - Exclusive photos and videos of the USA games and USA Women's Junior World Cup Team will be available on the USA Field Hockey Facebook page!

2009 BDO Women's Junior World Cup Facebook Event Page - Watch videos and see photos from all sixteen nations in action and start discussions with other hockey fans at the WJWC Facebook event page!

Worldhockey.org - The official website of the FIH features a tournament specific site with full results and standings, game recaps, video interviews and action photos from all sixteen nations!

WorldHockey Facebook - Exclusive content is available through the FIH on Facebook!

 

2009 BDO WOMEN'S JUNIOR WORLD CUP BLOG

USA Women's Junior World Cup Team captain Katie O'Donnell blogs about training as the team gets ready for Boston!
Check it out! >>