United States Shuts Out Mexico 7-0 at International Atlantic Cup
by Chip Rogers

Keli Smith scored a goal in the opening minutes of both halves to help the United States national field hockey team defeat Mexico, 7-0, in the second day of action at the International Atlantic Cup.

Smith knocked home rebound in the 3^rd minute of play to stake the United States to a 1-0 lead that they would not relinquish. Kristen McCann also scored twice for the United States,  as the team improved to 2-0 in round robin action.

            The United States earned another penalty corner in the 14^th minute and USA captain Tracey Fuchs scored on a scoop shot to put the Americans up 2-0. Kate Barber added a third goal for the Americans in the 29^th minute on a play off a short corner. The half ended with the USA holding a 3-0 lead.

            After Smith’s goal in the opening minute of the second half, the Americans drew another short corner three minutes later and McCann scored, giving the USA a 5-0 margin 40 minutes into the game. Another U.S short corner saw Tara Jelley redirect a shot to the right post into the boards, giving the USA a 6-0 lead in the 44^th minute of play. Just three  minutes later McCann gained possession of the ball in the circle and shot a reverse stick chip that landed in the nets for the Americans’ fourth goal in 12 minutes and their seventh of the game.

            Jill Dedman started in the cage for the U.S and did not face any shots.

            The U.S. will face Ireland on Saturday at 2:00. The Irish defeated Scotland 2-1 in earlier action on Thursday. Both the USA and Ireland are 2-0 heading into their contest and will play again on Sunday for the title.

Scoring summary:

USA :Smith (3:00,  fg )           
USA: Fuchs(14:00,   pc)       
USA: Barber (29:00, pc)         
USA: Smith  (36:00, fg)
USA: McCann  (40:00, pc)
USA: Jelley (44:00, pc)         
USA: McCann (47:00, fg)

Keepers: USA: Jill Dedman (70 mins, 0 saves, 0 GA),    MEX: Mima Garcia (70 mins, 13 saves, 7 GA)

Cards:none

Starters: USA: McCann, Jelley, Meerschwam, Larson, Fuchs, Lucas, Beach, K. Smith, Reeve, Lingo, Dedman (gk). Subs: M. Smith, Gannon, Everett, Tagliente, Barber

MEX: Garcia (gk), Tagle, Hernandez, Perez, Sandoval, Alvarez, Zepeda, Guzman, Vazquez, Rayo Chavez, Contreras. Subs Pichardo, Monroy, Martinez, Valero