USA / China / Netherlands Test Series

Game Nine

USA 2, China 1

Game Eight

China 2, USA 1

Scoring Summary:
CHN: Wang Mengyu, 5' - PC
USA: Michelle Kasold, 40' - FG
CHN: Li Hongxia, 67' - FG

Game Seven

Netherlands 3, China 0

Scoring Summary:
NED: Paumen, 9' - PC
NED: Jonker - 56' - FG
NED: Welton - 60' - PC

Game Six

Game Six Photo Gallery >>

Netherlands 3, USA 2

CHULA VISTA, CA - The USA Field Hockey Women's National Team fell to the Netherlands, 3-2, in a test match at the U.S. Olympic Training Match in Chula Vista, CA. Michelle Kasold scored both goals for the USA.

It was a disappointing result for the USA, who held a lead against the 2008 Olympic gold medal winners until the final minutes. The Dutch scored on a penalty corner to draw the game in the 69th minute and added a field goal moments before the final whistle.

Michelle Kasold scored two goals in the first half as the American offense looked strong, with strikers putting together an effective passing attack. Kasold scored in the 9th minute to put the USA ahead early.

"I knew I could get it in the circle, so I just went for the shot," said Kasold. "It happened to tip off the defender's stick and I think it threw off the goalkeeper."

The strikers and Kasold benefitted again in the 25th minute with another field goal. A pass from Maren Ford into the shooting circle set up Kasold's score.

"I saw Maren and I couldn't get the ball on the outside, so I cut right in and she threw me a perfect ball," said Kasold.  "I got a little touch on it past the goalkeeper coming out."

The American attack early was fluid, as the team's practice and preparations seemed to pay off.

"We had good spacing," said Kasold. "We moved their defense around and attacked their players to open up space for the forwards. They gave us good lengths to run in and easy balls to play forward."

"The strikers were presenting in great spaces," said team captain Carrie Lingo. "It's something we've been working on in the past couple of games, so it was nice to see the fruit of the practice."

The Americans had several scoring chances in the half and seemed to have the Dutch defense back on their heels.

In the second half, a renewed Dutch team went on the offensive. Holland's attack was persistent, but missed several scoring opportunities. One penalty corner strike clanged off the goal crossbar above Amy Tran. The Dutch were finally able to score the equalizer in the final minute, as Maartje Paumen delivered the tying goal on a penalty corner.

"Holland did what they do well," said Lingo. "They knew they needed a goal, and stepped up their game. I don't think we stepped up to match that at the end."

Holland's Kelly Yonker scored in the final moments, celebrating as the final whistle sounded. It was a hard moment to face, as the Americans had been on the verge of drawing, if not defeating, the number one team in the world.

"We handled the ball better than we have in the past, and that allowed us to take advantage of some good buildup. Unfortunately, we haven't been in this situation too often and we learned some lessons at the end of the game," said Bodimeade.

"It's a hard lesson," said Lingo. "The game is 70 minutes. It's just a lesson we have to take now and move forward."

"Holland's a good side, and we're building to be at their level," said Bodimeade. "Along the way, you need to be in certain situations to know what to do in them. There was some inexperience there today. We'll be better in the long run because of it, but it cost us today in this game."

Despite the loss, the match may prove to be a watershed moment in the team's development as they move towards the AtaHolding Women's World Cup Qualifier.

"There were many positives," said Terry Walsh, Technical Director of High Performance. "Getting a position of 2-0 and holding it for a very long time was positive. As was not having the lead undermined quickly by a very good opponent. Even with the first goal against us, which was a careless goal, we didn't capitulate. We held our ground."

"I think it is a significant moment for us," said Bodimeade. "To come out and put 60 minutes of good play against a one of the best teams in the world who was really trying was a big step for us."

"It was the first time we've been in a position of ascendency against one of the best teams in the world - if not the best," said Terry Walsh, Technical Director of High Performance. "Overall, our contesting was matched with theirs. We won more than our fair share of 50/50 balls. There was a belief that grew. There was an ability to control the frustration the opponent was bringing on the pitch. It was the best I've seen from us in four years. We were able to match the best in the world."

Above all, the test matches are learning opportunities for both teams.

"We've played well coming from behind in the past, but to be a front-runner against one of the top teams in the world was a new situation for us," said Bodimeade. "It brings with it different scenarios and challenges, and it's fantastic to have Holland here to learn how handle that."

"I thought we were able to compete with the Dutch," said Walsh. "We were certainly there physically, and most of the time we were where we needed to be mentally, but we're still learning how to play under the conditions when pressure is very high. It was very pleasing. It's been a considerable improvement. Lee's done a great job taking the team from a mediocre performance last week to a strong performance today. Today was a really heated game, and that's what a test match should be."

The Netherlands visited Chula Vista almost exactly one year ago. Coming off their gold medal performance in Beijing, the Dutch routed the USA in several matches. A year later, the USA was on the brink of a victory against the number one team in the world.

"Holland was here last year and we had some performances that made us question if we were heading in the right direction," said Bodimeade.

"It's hard to compare," said Walsh. "We were in a different spot in our preparation phase. After the Olympics, we were going through a transition with our players and we were trying to find out where we were as a team, and we were thumped. Obviously, now we have the Qualifier coming up in six weeks. I think now the Dutch would say it's been a worthwhile, competitive environment, not just a nice trip, but a good competitive series. They've had some very good contests with us."

The USA will face China on Wednesday, February 3. The Netherlands make their final appearance at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista.

Scoring Summary:
USA - Michelle Kasold - 7' (FG)
USA - Michelle Kasold - 8' (PC)
NED - Ellen Hoog - 51' (FG)
NED - Maartje Paumen -69' (PC)
NED - Kelly Jonker - 70' (FG)

Game Five

Netherlands 6, China 2

Scoring Summary:
CHN: Fu Baoyung - 7' (FG)
CHN: Ma Yibo - 8' (PC)
NED: Welton - 21' (FG)
NED: Hoag - 22' (FG)
NED: Agliotti - 27' (FG)
NED: Tonber - 36' (FG)
NED: van As - 44' (FG)
NED: Hoag - 52' (FG)

Game Four

China 3, USA 0

Game Four Photo Gallery >>

CHULA VISTA, CA - The USA Field Hockey Women's Olympic Team fell to China, 3-0, today at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA.

The 2008 Olympic silver medal winners, China is the number two field hockey team in the world and provide a high level of international competition for the U.S. team as they prepare for the 2010 AtaHolding Women's World Cup Qualifier in March.

For much of the first half, the USA and China were evenly matched, as both teams had few scoring opportunities early.

"China came out early and strong," said team captain Carrie Lingo. "It was a pretty fair test in the beginning."

A turnover in the defensive backfield led to a quick shot on goal for Zhao Yudiao and China went up, 1-0 late in the first half. Lingo noted these test matches are as much for education and growth as for competition.

"It's good that [the turnover] happened now in the process, because it's something we can fix," said Lingo. "At this early stage, it's something we can nip in the bud now as we prepare for the Qualifier."

China scored again quickly at the beginning of the second half, as Song Qingling lifted a shot over American goalkeeper Amy Tran. Song added a second late in the contest to put China in a 3-0 final.

The American offensive line had opportunities to score in the second half, as the offense repeatedly pressured the Chinese defense. The penetrations into the shooting circle increased, but shots went wide and deflections went into open space.

"It's a game of inches," said Lingo. "We had a few shots today that were off by a few inches."

"We played well for periods of time, but China punished us for our errors," said Head Coach Lee Bodimeade. "That's why we have Holland and China here, to learn those lessons."

The overall performance by the Americans was strong, but the skill displayed was not necessarily evident in the final score.

"To play that well against this competition does give us a fair bit of excitement going forward," said Bodimeade, "but there is frustration in not being successful."

Scoring Summary:

CHINA: Zhao Yudiao - 28' (FG)
CHINA: Song Qingling - 37' (FG)
CHINA: Song Qingling - 67' (FG)

Game Three

The Netherlands defeated China, 2-0, in a practice match. Maartje Paumen scored first on a PS in the second period that saw both teams even matched for most of the contest.

Game Two

Netherlands 4, USA 1

CHULA VISTA, CA - The USA Field Hockey Women's National Team fell to the Netherlands, 4-1, today at the U.S. Olympic Training Center. Carrie Lingo scored for the USA.

The 2008 Olympic gold medal winners, the Netherlands are the number one field hockey team in the world and a good opportunity to gauge the growth of the U.S. team as they prepare for the 2010 AtaHolding Women's World Cup Qualifier in March.

"I'm pleased with the step we made from the first game to today," said Bodimeade. "Especially in the first half, we were able to control the game for longer time and exert more pressure."

"It went well," said team captain Carrie Lingo. "We took a step forward as a group today. I think the group collectively really stepped up and put pressure on the Dutch."

As Olympic champions, the Dutch displayed their skill early - Naomi Van As scored the first goal within the first 40 seconds and looked to dominate play. But the Americans were not discouraged.

"Actually, I think that helped fuel our fire," said Lingo with a laugh.

The USA scored a goal of their own in the 17th minute to level the game. A penalty corner blast from Rachel Dawson was stopped by the Dutch goalkeeper, but Carrie Lingo was able to swat the ball out of the air into the goal.

"Rachel had a beautiful strike on goal, and the deflection came right to me," said Lingo.

"Against the world number one, it's difficult to find yourself behind early," said Bodimeade. "But I was pleased with how we settled and how we got on without game after that. If you're going to allow a goal, it's better to allow it in the first minute and not in the 69th minute."

The American offense provided more scoring chances and challenged the Dutch defense through the second half. Sarah Dawson, Michelle Kasold and Katie O'Donnell created opportunities late in the game for the USA.

"The attacking line stepped up and they set the tone for the entire defensive structure," said Lingo.

The Dutch style of play is methodically structured and notoriously relentless. Rough and tumble play was present throughout, including an incident where a diving Kayla Bashore took a defender's stick to face, chipping one of her front teeth.

"I went to shoot, and the defender came through me with her stick," Bashore said. She shook off any ill effects. "It didn't really hurt."

Kim Lammers and Maartje Paumen also scored for the Dutch. Eva de Goede added a fourth goal on a penalty corner as time expired for a 4-1 final score.

"We paid for a couple opportunities at the end that took the shine off a much better performance," said Bodimeade.

"I thought it was an improvement," said USA Field Hockey Technical Director of High Performance Terry Walsh. "There was much better tactical awareness. We put the Dutch under pressure a fair amount. But we gave up a couple of careless goals. There was a much better build to the front line. What was going on in the midfield was better. We were able to apply much more consistent pressure."

In the end, the match serves as preparation for the AtaHolding Women's World Cup Qualifier in March.

"We have clear objectives set for the Qualifier," said Bodimeade.

Scoring:
NED - Naomi Van As - 1' (FG)
USA - Carrie Lingo - 17' (PC)
NED - Lammers - 21' (FG)
NED - Paumen - 54' (PC)
NED - De Goede - 70' (PC)

Game One

GAME ONE PHOTO GALLERY >>

CHULA VISTA, CA - The Women's National Team opened their series with the Netherlands today at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista. The 2008 Olympic gold medal winners, the Netherlands are the number one field hockey team in the world and a good opportunity to gauge the growth of the U.S. team as they prepare for the 2010 AtaHolding Women's World Cup Qualifier in March.

Today's game was played as an informal practice with three 25-minute periods. The Dutch controlled most of the play early, and ultimately the USA allowed five goals through the three periods. The Dutch also limited the American offense to a handful of opportunities.

"We defended very well, especially in the first 15 minutes," said Technical Director of High Performance Terry Walsh, "but we had difficulty out-letting the ball to the front line."

The contest also included a golden goal practice session. Deep in the Dutch end, the USA executed some crisp passing, and some nice stick work by Rachel Dawson led to a quick goal for the Americans. The day ended with a session of penalty strokes.

"That was a really good finish for us for the first day," said Carrie Lingo, team captain. "We're always working on things, from the goalies all the way to the forward lines, we all had different objectives today."

"You try to train every possible situation," said Men's National Team Head Coach Nick Conway, who assisted with today's game. "The same goes for the penalty corners. There's also a physical aspect as, well - both teams are playing 75 minutes, running hard. You want to see how athletes react in those situations. It's a higher pressure environment, one mistake and it's over. "

The series continues Tuesday, January 26 at 1:00pm. USA Field Hockey encourages all fans to attend the test series. All matches for this series are open to the public and attendance is free. An autograph session with the USA Women's National Team will follow the Sunday, January 31 contest.

CHULA VISTA, CA - The USA Field Hockey Women's National Team welcomes two of the top field hockey nations in the world to the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA, from January 24 to February 4, 2010. The Netherlands and China, winners of the gold and silver medals respectively at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, will visit for a nine-game three nation series.


The series will feature six games with the USA Women's National Team, as well as three contests between China and the Netherlands, a rematch of the 2008 Olympic Games gold medal final.


USA Field Hockey encourages all fans to attend the test series. All matches for this series are open to the public and attendance is free. An autograph session with the USA Women's National Team will follow the Sunday, January 31 contest.


Not only can you come out and cheer but you can be part of the action! Sign up to be a Ball Chaser! This position gets you directly on the field for the whole game. You are part of the game! Contact Joe Wagstaffe at jwagstaffe@usafieldhockey.com to secure your spot today. This is a great team activity or fun for a few friends to do together.

Competition Schedule