USA 7, FRANCE 0

Game Three - Tuesday, April 22, 2008

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KAZAN, RUSSIA (April 22, 2008) – The United States Field Hockey Women’s National Team defeated France, 7-0, in their third game of the World Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in Kazan, Russia.

Forward Angie Loy scored two goals as the Americans remained undefeated in the six-game Olympic qualifying tournament.

After the USA’s dominant 7-0 win over Russia on Sunday, the winless and goalless French team looked to be easy pickings for the tournament’s top seed.

But the French National Team frustrated the USA in the first half, flooding the scoring area with defenders and shutting down the American offensive assault.

Team Captain Kate Barber eventually broke through with the first point in a scramble along the goal-line.

The USA composed themselves and unleashed six goals in the second half, including two in a 47 second span.

“We’re happy to come away with a win in a game that possibly could have been very dangerous for us,” said U.S. Coach Lee Bodimeade.  “France played very well against us in the first half, and we had to lift our game to get on top of them.”

 “France came at us and frustrated us and took us out of our game a little bit,” said Barber. “We regrouped in the second half and capitalized on a few opportunities.”

The French National Team defended the Americans early, but did little offensively. France recorded only one shot on goal for the entire match and had no quality scoring chances.

“I thought we did frustrate the Americans [in the first half]. They had some chances, but our defense played quite well,” said Steven Colledge, France National Team Head Coach.  “I think the turning point was right after halftime as the Americans scored a few quick goals. I think we physically struggled past that.”

“The Americans were too strong physically [in the second half],” said French Team Captain Marion Rehby. “It was too hard for us and after seven goals it was hard to get back into the game.”

The US National Team faces India on Thursday, April 24. India is ranked directly behind the US in world rankings.