US Field Hockey News

USA Field Hockey Women Advance to Pan Am Cup Final

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados. – The USA women's field hockey team advanced to the championship game of the Pan American Cup with a 4-3 win over Canada in the tournament semifinal. The USA will now face Argentina on Wednesday for the tournament championship and the automatic berth in the 2006 World Cup.

After falling behind 1-0 on a Robin Lesley penalty corner goal in the 10^th minute, the USA responded with four unanswered goals by April Fronzoni, Kristen McCAnn and a pair of goals by Tracey Fuchs to take a 4-1 lead early in the second half.

Canada responded with two quick goals in the 41^st and 45^th minutes by Kristen Taunton and Stephanie Jamison, but the USA held on for the win and the right to meet Argentina in the championship game.

The USA/Argentina final marks the continuation of a rivalry that includes the first Pan American Cup final as well as four Pan American Games gold medal matches. Argentina had won each of the championship meetings between the two teams including a 3-1 win at the 2003 Pan American Games and a 4-1 win at the 2001 Pan American Cup.

With the win over Canada, the USA extended its unbeaten streak against Pan Am teams other than Argentina to 23 straight games. The U.S. women last lost to a team other than Argentina in Pan Am competition in 1991 with a 2-0 loss to Canada at the Havana Pan American Games.

USA  4, Canada 3

CAN: Robin Lesley (PC, 10:00)
USA: April Fronzoni (FG, 24:00)
USA: Kristen McCann (FG, 31:00)
USA: Tracey Fuchs (PC, 35:00)
USA: Tracey Fuichs (FG, 38:00)
CAN: Kristen Taunton (FG, 41:00)
CAN: Steph Jamison (PC, 45:00)

USA Starters: Angie Loy, Kristen McCann, Tara Jelley, Tracey Larson, Tracey Fucsh, Katie Beach, Keli Smith, Carrie Lingo, Kate Barber, Dina Rizzo, Amy Tran (GK)

Reserves: April Fronzoni, Meredith Keller