USA 4, INDIA 0
Game Four - Thursday, April 24, 2008
Click here for a slideshow of today's game! >>
KAZAN, RUSSIA (April 24, 2008) – The United States Field Hockey Women’s National Team defeated India, 4-0, in their fourth game of the World Hockey Olympic Qualifiers in Kazan, Russia. With the victory, the Women’s National Team has effectively secured a spot in the tournament finals and a possible trip to the 2008 Olympics.
The U.S. opened the scoring in the 29th minute on a field goal from forward Jesse Gey. Kelly Doton, Angie Loy, and Carrie Lingo also scored for the U.S. Goalkeeper Amy Tran recorded her third straight shutout.
Despite several opportunities, the United States only scored one goal in the first half. But the relentless offensive pressure by the Women’s National Team eventually wilted the India defense. India’s attempts to counter-attack with intercepted passes and breakaways proved ineffective.
“We’re very happy with the win,” said U.S. coach Lee Bodimeade. “India is ranked very high, just one spot behind us, so we knew it was going to be an extremely tough game. We knew we had to be playing our best today.”
“The U.S. out-played us most of the game,” said India head coach M.K. Kaushik. “Their plan worked well, ours didn’t.”
“It was a very high-tempo game,” said forward Angela Loy. “We worked within our game plan, kept our composure, and came out with a win. It’s a good confidence booster.”
The last three days have been busy for Loy. Tuesday she scored two goals against Russia. Wednesday she celebrated her 26th birthday. Today she capped her 100th international appearance with another goal. She currently tops the Tournament Goals Scorers list with five.
The USA Women’s National Team (4-0) is the only undefeated team in the tournament. They have outscored their opponents 21-2 and have shut out their last three.
The U.S. faces Netherland Antilles on Saturday, April 26. The U.S. is currently in first place in the tournament standings with 12 points with one game to play and has effectively secured a place in the final with 24 goals scored. Netherlands Antilles would need to defeat the US by double-digit goals on Saturday to push the Americans completely out of the final.
USA Goals:
Jesse Gey, 29’
Kelly Doton, 38’
Angie Loy, 46’
Carrie Lingo, 49’