Notes from TERRY WALSH: "The match started with Holland applying pressure to a highly resistant USA defense. The game gradually became an even contest with both teams aggressively moving into their opponent’s deep defense.
"The first corner of the game gave the USA a real opportunity but resolute defense thwarted the chance.
"Another corner to the USA provided a real rebound chance but the scoreboard remained unchanged at a critical moment in the game.
"The first goal of the match came from a fast break from the Dutch right hand side at the 22nd minute mark. A very clever pass at precisely the right time caught the USA defense in trouble. A talented turn upon reception gave Amy Tran little chance as the Dutch made the most of their chance.
"Minutes later a careless outlet provided the Dutch with a chance and they were clinical with their finish. 0-2 and a little flattering for the Dutch at this moment in the game.
"USA persisted and from a fast break ,courtesy of Keli Smith on the left side, Jesse Gey chipped in with an overlap which provided a free hit deep into attack. Keli smashed the free hit across the face and Tiffany Snow took the chance to bring up USA’s first goal of the Dutch series, a field goal at that! 28 minutes into the game and the scoreline was 1-2.
"Half time saw the same scoreline as the USA clearly had their fair share of the game.
"The second half had both teams involved with Holland’s dominance of ground control clearly being challenged. Some of the key Dutch players not starting in the contest was becoming an issue for the hosts. USA, although not really sharp with their ball handling were showing much improved signs from recent days. The Penalty Corner count was a reflection of the even contest with the USA forcing 3 for the game with Holland’s 4.
"Eventually USA broke through from a fast midfield transfer to the left flank. The pass to Jesse Gey was trapped and shot at goal from the top of the circle . Captain Kate Barber, with deft touch, turned the ball past the searching pad of the Dutch custodian and Angie Loy touched in from being on the right post.
"The final stages of the match were hotly contested with the Dutch pushing hard to restore an advantage. Amy Tran was equal to the occasion and kept the hosts at bay. Neither side was able to score and the 2-2 outcome was a fair reflection of the overall match.
"The USA team return to San Diego tomorrow where they will complete their final 3 weeks of preparation for the Beijing Olympics."
Starters
Reserves
Kate Barber
Dina Rizzo
Kayla Bashore
Lauren Powley
Lauren Crandall
Caroline Nichols
Rachel Dawson
Jesse Gey
Kelly Doton
Dana Sensenig
Katelyn Falgowski
Carrie Lingo
Angie Loy
Keli Smith
Tiffany Snow
Amy Tran
Netherlands - Three Game Test Series
10 July 2008
FINAL: Netherlands 4 : USA 0
Notes from TERRY WALSH: 2nd Match v Holland at Klein Zwitserland Hockey Club
"USA began quite strongly and contested effectively for the opening period of the game. Holland then took much greater territorial control. USA found the pressure of the Dutch too great and many turnovers resulted from the USA team as a unit. Holland forced 5 penalty corners in the first half and converted the only goal of the 1st half from their 4th attempt.
"The intricate control of the Dutch began to have affect on the quality of the USA ballhandling, and as the half progressed the hosts were able to create opportunities from turnovers. An early corner in the 5th minute went under Amy Tran.
"The USA team was under considerable pressure but held firm in defense until a clever low down reverse hit found an unmarked player on the right post to deflect in for a quality goal, 0-3 and finding it very difficult to create building play.
"The USA persisted and were rewarded with a few minutes of control but the Dutch defense was resolute under reasonable pressure. Then a break caught the USA defense off balance and the resulting corner was cleanly executed with a left side deflection putting the 0-4 score beyond any shadow of doubt in the 31st minute of the 2nd half.
"The USA were more able to handle the ball compared with their first clash with Holland but the quality of control was lacking in several players’ touch. The persistent pressure of the Dutch continues to be excellent exposure for this USA team as they complete their final practice match on Saturday afternoon in Den Haag, Holland."
Starters
Reserves
Kate Barber
Dina Rizzo
Kayla Bashore
Lauren Powley
Lauren Crandall
Caroline Nichols
Rachel Dawson
Jesse Gey
Kelly Doton
Dana Sensenig
Katelyn Falgowski
Carrie Lingo
Angie Loy
Keli Smith
Tiffany Snow
Amy Tran
9 July 2008
FINAL: Netherlands 2 : USA 0
Notes from TERRY WALSH, USA Field Hockey Technical Director: "Very wet day at Club HDM in Den Haag. Unofficial game – all 18 players enjoyed game time.
"Quite a change around in intensity from the USA when compared to the German game on Sunday... Holland scored a clever goal well into the game with a very good build up from the backfield finishing with a neat pass from the wide right side to a free inside right placed central striker to score.
"The rest of the half had dominance from Holland against a resolute USA defensive structure.
"The second half saw an early goal to Holland from a USA turnover and the resulting play low on the baseline ended up with a forced goal still amid very wet conditions. USA then made some concerted plays that brought them back into the contest. Angie Loy was brought down from behind in the circle but the resulting penalty corner was the only sourced by the USA in the full 70 minutes. Conversely Holland forced 5 corners, all but one in the first period.
"Overall a better performance against the World Number 1 team, the Netherlands."
Unofficial conest - all 18 members are eligible to play
