Both USA and Argentina started the 4th and final test with extreme intensity. Even the umpires had difficulty keeping up with the tempo of the game. Argentina were playing for pride and the USA were intent on stamping their authority over their long time nemesis. Both sides made attempts on their opponents goal but without result. The game moved into all parts of the field and gradually the intensity of the USA began to give them territorial advantage. A superbly worked USA penalty corner almost half way through the first half gave the visitors no chance. Carrie Lingo registered a goal resulting from a clever variation played to the left off the main battery and deflected from the low right side near goal. Try as they did Argentina could not maintain the total pressure being applied by the USA. Eventually the Argentine deep defenders turned the ball over on an outlet on their right. Angie Loy gathered the interception, quickly entered the circle and gave the goal keeper no chance with a superbly struck shot low into goal. USA 2 and Argentina struggling.
After half time the game seesawed with the USA not having quite the same dominance but still maintaining their share of possession. Gradually possession fell more with the Argentineans and resolute defending kept them at bay with no real chances. The USA couldn’t maintain strong possession for long periods and the Argentineans were applying greater pressure with more possession. Still no opportunities for the visitors and frustration began to overflow in what was a fitting final contest in a very competitive series. The USA maintained enough defensive awareness and pressure on their opponent and the the world’s number two ranked team completed their second game against the USA without scoring. USA 2 Argentina 0.
Final results in the 4 test series:
Test 1: USA 3 Argentina 0
Test 2: USA 3 Argentina 4
Test 3: USA 4 Argentina 1
Test 4: USA 2 Argentina 0
The USA team will play two final preparation games with Canada before heading to Russia to play in the Olympic Qualifier in the city of Kazan. This is a must win tournament for the USA to participate in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
Goals: Kelly Doton (49'), Angie Loy (69'), Rachel Dawson (70')
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CHULA VISTA, CA (April 3, 2008) - The USA recovered from a 3-0 half time deficit to rally and finish the game on a very positive note, going down finally 3-4 to Argentina in the 2nd test of their 4 match series. The USA is preparing for the Olympic Qualification Tournament to be held in Kazan, Russia from April 19 to 27.
The match began with the world #2 ranked team Argentina being 1 yard quicker in almost all aspects of the game. A disallowed penalty corner conversion sparked the visitors even further with their first goal coming from Luciana Aymar with a blistering run from the center of the field. Aymar dispossessed the USA midfield and cleverly eliminated 5 players en-route to scoring an outstanding individual goal from the inside right position.
A penalty corner conversion from a variation to the left and a well executed free hit to the open player at inside left brought 2 goals bringing the half time score to a dominant 3-0 to the Argentineans.
The second half saw Argentina being matched much better in several areas. Aymar became less dominant and the Argentineans could not penetrate the solid defensive structure of the USA. After several midfield turnovers the USA created a quality transfer of play through the backfield which found Kate Barber just over the center line in the wide left area of the field. Acceleration and clever change of direction had her fouled heavily just outside the circle. From the resulting penalty corner Kelly Doton crushed the ball into the low left hand corner to bring the score line to 1-3. A very careless next 30 seconds had the visitors bringing the ball cleanly down their left side resulting in a very ‘soft’ goal being scored from a scuffle in the goal mouth. The 1-4 score line didn’t deflate the USA side and to their credit they fought continuously until the tide began to turn. Clever play into the attacking circle and a clever finish by Jesse Gey brought the score line back to 2-4. The USA continued to press and were rewarded with a penalty corner in the final minute of play. Rachel Dawson flicked strongly off the battery and converted for the USA to bring the final score line to 3-4. The series is now 1-1 with two to play. Tomorrow the US’B’ side will take on the Canadian side in the first of two clashes before the Canadians take on the full USA team in two matches early next week.
GAME 1 - USA 3, ARGENTINA 0
Goals: Carrie Lingo (40'), Angie Loy (44'), Dina Rizzo (52')
CHULA VISTA, CA (April 1, 2008) - Although officially ranked #11 in the world, USA played confidently against the #2 ranked Argentine lineup in the first half. Kelly Doton had an injury at the 12th minute mark but coach Lee Bodimeade resisted putting her back into the contest for the rest of the match. Both sides had penalty corner chances with the defenses holding firm and resisting the variations offered from both attacks. The Argentineans had trouble with some of the pressure being applied from the USA squad but swift counter attacks beginning from deep in their own defensive zone created some issues for the home team’s defensive structure. A chance or two for both sides was created but at half time the score line remained 0-0.
The second half had the USA creating enormous pressure on the Argentine defenders and eventually the resistance broke when clever play on the right side followed by a hard center found Carrie Lingo catapulting herself along the ground to score the 1st for the USA team. Minutes later the Argentine defense was stunned as a second goal was added courtesy of Angie Loy. USA were clearly on top as Argentina were determined to rally but couldn’t find any clear access to the USA goal. Frustration was building for the visitors but even with short periods of controlled play no opportunities brought conversions. The USA attacked again on the right with Jesse Gey cleverly dragged the ball inside her opponent and deftly reversing the ball to Rizzo who changed the direction of the ball just enough to off foot the goal keeper. USA 3 Argentina 0.
A great result for the USA – quite clearly dominant in the second half of the match. The second test will undoubtedly be an intriguing contest.
