USA Unable to Overcome Great Britain’s Offense, Drops Critical Match at Paris 2024

PARIS, France – It was an action-packed contest between the No. 13 U.S. Olympic Women’s Field Hockey Team and No. 8 Great Britain in their fourth game of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium in Paris, France. A one-goal game at the half, Great Britain pulled away in the third quarter after tallying two, as USA were defeated 2-5.

The first quarter was full of energy, with plays happening at both ends. In the 4th minute, following an unsuccessful USA penalty corner, Sophie Hamilton made the most of a defensive error to give Great Britain the lead. The United Eagles were on the backfoot for a period before shifting momentum into their attack. In the 7th minute, Abby Tamer (Dexter, Mich.) evened the game, sending in a high lifted ball off a set piece shot rebound. Maintaining control, Phia Gladieux (Oley, Pa.) followed up with a backhand shot that was saved by Great Britain's goalkeeper, before USA earned four penalty corners in a row.

The second frame was equally full of excitement. Great Britain took the lead in the 19th minute when Tess Howard’s reverse sweep snuck in between the post and goalkeeper Kelsey Bing (Houston, Texas). Great Britain added another in the 25th minute off a penalty corner play that went back to the inserter and was defelcted in by Howard. Although trailing 1-3, USA didn’t let up and continued to threaten in their attacking end. With a minute to go before the break, Tamer took a free hit quickly and ripped a backhand shot into the bottom right corner, bringing the score within one.

After a static start to the third quarter, Great Britain extended their lead when a backhand cross was deflected in by Hannah French in the 35th minute. They added to the margin 4 minutes later when Sarah Jones batted it in out of the air to make it 2-5. In a three-goal hole, the United Eagles earned a set piece off the restart but to no avail. Great Britain closed the frame with a penalty corner, but on the fly Meredith Sholder (Fleetwood, Pa.) deflected it away.

USA continued to fight in the final 15. 3 minutes in, Ashley Sessa (Schwenksville, Pa.) earned a penalty corner, but USA couldn’t convert. A close chance came in the 53rd minute when Brooke DeBerdine (Millersville, Pa.) turned the left corner and crossed it to Sessa, who touched it just wide. With 6 minute to go, Bing was removed from the goal to give USA an extra field player advantage but timed ticked down with no outcome, as USA fell 2-5.

USA plays their final pool game on Saturday, August 3 against No. 19 South Africa at 7:15 a.m. ET. Fans can watch it live on USA Network or stream it on Peacock.

For more information regarding Paris 2024, visit the event page.

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