USA 3, BELGIUM 2
Game One - Saturday, April 19, 2008
KAZAN, RUSSIA (April 19, 2008) – The United States Field Hockey Women’s National Team defeated Belgium, 3-2, in the opening game of the World Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in Kazan, Russia.
Angie Loy’s goal in the 47th minute put the US in front despite late pressure from the Belgium team.
The USA opened the scoring in the first half as midfielder Carrie Lingo deflected a penalty corner shot from Kelly Doton into the net. Belgium tied the game in the 24th minute as a misplayed American pass across midfield resulted in a breakaway and quick shot for Belgian forward Sofie Gierts. The Americans took the lead again five minutes later as forward Jesse Gey launched a shot above the head of the Belgian goalkeeper.
Belgium put some pressure on the USA in the final minutes when a shot kick-saved by American goalkeeper Amy Tran shot straight into the air, allowing forward Carole Dembour to knock the ball into the goal and resulting in a 3-2 score.
“In Olympic qualifying, every game is going to be a fight no matter who you play against,” said USA Head Coach Lee Bodimeade. “Belgium is a team we have a lot of respect for, and we’re happy to come away with a win today.”
The USA face tournament host Russia tomorrow, Sunday, April 20.
The Kazan World Hockey Olympic Qualifiers for the Beijing Olympic Games run from April 19 to April 28. Twelve national teams will participate in the Olympics; nine have already qualified. The remaining three spots will be slotted with the winners of the three Olympic Qualifiers held in Kazan, Azerbaijan, and Canada. Spain and Azerbaijan compete tomorrow for the tournament championship in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The six countries competing in the Kazan Qualifiers are: USA, Belgium, France, India, Netherlands Antielles, and Russia. The USA is considered the number one seed in the tournament, although India is directly behind the US in world rankings.
For more information about USA Field Hockey, visit www.usfieldhockey.com.For updates on all three Olympic qualifying tournaments, visit www.worldhockey.org.