USA Field Hockey News

	USA's Kristen McCann defendsSpain's Eroditza Goikotexea during the USA's 3-0 win at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament

USA Down Spain, 3-0, at Olympic Qualifying Tournament

AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Kate Barber, Tracey Fuchs and April Fronzoni scored goals and the USA defense secured the shutout  as the USA defeated Spain, 3-0, in the final game of play in Pool B at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament

Already assured of a spot in the Olympic Games, Spain was previously undefeated and un-scored upon in the tournament.

With the win, the USA secures the #3 seed in Pool B and remains in the hunt for the last of  five Olympic berths awarded at the tournament.  The USA must now compete in crossover play against the #4 team from Pool A (loser of  Wednesday night’s Great Britain/Ireland match) in order to advance to the 5^th/6^th place game that will decide the final Olympic berth.

“I think we played well,” said USA coach Beth Anders.  “I think we did simple things and we did them well and I was very proud of the girls.

“We went out with definite goals and we accomplished them, and that’s what it’s all about - getting better everyday.”

The USA jumped out on top midway through the first half when Barber swept in a long pass from Keli Smith across the circle to give the USA a 1-0 lead.

Fuchs added to the total five minutes later when she connected on a penalty corner attempt for her fifth goal of the tournament to give the USA a 2-0 halftime advantage.

Barber was again instrumental in the final score of the day when she received a pass on the fast break, sprinted into the Spanish circle and passed to Fronzoni who netted her first career international goal.

The USA defense shutout its opponent for the second consecutive game as goalkeeper Peggy Storrar collected two saves and the USA defense snuffed seven Spanish penalty corner attempts.

The U.S. was relegated to playing for the fifth and final Olympic spot early in the day when Japan defeated Korea, 4-0, to capture a tournament semifinal berth and earn a spot in Athens. Japan, who earned the top seed in Pool B following the USA win over Spain,  joins Spain among the teams from the tournament to qualify for this summer’s Olympic Games. Two additional teams will earn tickets to Athens following the night’s late Pool A  matches.

Although knocked from the top two pool spots and an assured Olympic bid, the USA and coach Anders remained undeterred.

“We’ll take it and get ready for the next game,” said Anders.

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USA 3, Spain 0

USA: Kate Barber (FG, 16:00)
USA: Tracey Fuchs (PC, 21:00)
USA: April Fronzoni (FG, 58:00)

USA Starters: Angie Loy, Kristen McCann, Peggy Storrar (GK), Tara Jelley, Tracey Larson, Tracey Fuchs, Katie Beach, Keli Smith, Carrie Lingo, Kate Barber, Kristi Gannon

Reserves: April Fronzoni, Mimi Smith, Meredith Keller, Dina Rizzo

Spain Starters: Maria Jesus Rosa (GK), Barbara Malda, Monica Rueda, Silvia Bonastre, Marta Prat, Silvia Munoz, Mar Fieto, Erdoitza Goikoetxea, Nuria Camon, Ana Raquel Perez, Esther Termens

Reserves: Rocio Ybarra, Lucia Lopez, Maider Telleria, Raquel Huertas