WMH World Cup Cape Town Day 1 & 2

The U.S. O-35 Women suffered a 3-0 defeat to Australia, but despite the scoreline, the match was closely contested. Australia struck twice in the first quarter before the first game excitement wore off, when USA adjusted their tactics and regained composure. Great leadership between the pipes from goalkeepers Emma Beck (Baltimore, Md.) and Lacey Pustizzi (Burlington, Mass.), who split halves, helped keep the score unchanged for the second and third quarters. Mandy “Dash” Mowry (Souderton, Pa.) used her speed to put constant pressure on Australia’s defense, giving the U.S. some respite from Australia’s press.

With just 4 minutes remaining in the game, Australia added a security goal to make the final 3-0. Although USA couldn’t convert their chances, their growing chemistry and resilience suggest a promising tournament ahead.

A dominant win for the U.S. O-40 Women put them at the top of Pool C after the first day. Rebecca Beatty (Basking Ridge, N.J.) opened the scoring in the 4th minute through a field goal, and two minutes later Katie Grant (Washington, D.C.) followed up with one of her own. On either side of the quarter break, Pattie Gillern (Medford, N.J.) notched a penalty corner goalk, followed up by a penalty stroke conversion.

Leading 4-0, South Africa added one back in the 26th minute through a penalty corner. Grant took control in the third quarter and tallied three more goals, scoring a team high four on the day, to give USA the comfortable 7-1 victory.

It was a close yet physical match, when the U.S. O-40 Men took on Australia IMC. Captain David de Prez (Prosper, Texas) got USA on the board in the 4th minute through a penalty corner. Three minutes later, Ian Rourke (Albany, N.Y.) extended the red, white and blue's lead but only briefly as Australia added one back 1-minute later off a penalty corner.

In the 18th minute, Australia evened the game on a penalty stroke and added two more before the halftime break to make it 2-4. USA cut the margin just 1-minute into the third quarter when Logan Hargett (Ventura, Calif.) tallied off a penalty corner but USA couldn't produce anymore as the fell 3-4.

The U.S. O-65 Men suffered their second loss of the tournament, this time at the hands of Belgium. Growing from their previous game, USA looked better and was more organized. They entered the Belgium circle a few times and drew two penalty corners. The red, white and blue was more anxious on the attacking end but sometimes their eagerness left them vulerable which allowed Belgium to penetrate and counter attack. The Red Lions capitalized on almost all their circle entries, as USA lost 8-0.  

It was a tight contest between the U.S. O-40 Women and Germany, with USA coming out on top with a 2-1 victory. Both sides produced many chances but it was Germany who struck first in the 13th minute off a penalty corner. With 1-minute to go before the halftime break, Katie Grant (Washington, D.C.) leveled the score, 1-1.

Back and forth play was present for a period before Grant notched the game winner in the 47th minute. With the come from behind win, USA remains at top of Pool C with six points.

The U.S. O-35 Women fell to a well-organized Netherlands team, 3-0, in their second contest in two days at the WMH World Cup Cape Town. Despite the loss, USA’s performance showed significant improvement, with stronger cohesion and better tactical execution.

The Netherlands capitalized early, converting on their third penalty corner of the first quarter. The Oranje were leading 1-0 after the first quarter, and two penalty strokes in the second frame gave them a 3-0 advantage. After the halftime break, USA shut down all remaining attempts from their opponent. Emma Beck (Baltimore, Md.) was a standout in goal, making crucial saves, while speed and fearless aggression from Beth Stelling (Los Angeles, Calif.) made all the difference on defensive penalty corners. The shift in confidence for USA gave way to a high press, forcing errors out of the opposition.

Moving forward in the tournament, this USA squad is focused on taking the offensive and securing their first win. The team eagerly awaits their next match against Hong Kong on Tuesday, October 15 at 8:30 a.m. ET.

For more information on the WMH World Cup Cape Town, including schedule, results, rosters and livestream information, check out the event page by clicking here.