USMNT's Comeback Thwarted by Scotland in Final Pool Game of FIH Hockey Nations Cup

MUSCAT, Oman – In their final pool game of the 2025 FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2 in Muscat, Oman, the No. 25 U.S. Men’s National Team met a tough No. 21 Scotland. After finding themselves trailing early, the Wolves fought back to level the score before the halftime break. The tight contest was decided in the final frame, when Scotland notched the game winner as USA fell 2-3.

USA found themselves behind early after Scotland got on the board twice within the first 4 minutes. An aerial outlet in the 2nd minute led to a Scotland fast break that Struan Walker clinically tapped out of the air and over USA goalkeeper Jonathan Klages, who was rushing out to meet Walker. Two minutes later, Jamie Golden capitalized on a penalty corner, dragging it mid-height to the stick side. The Wolves produced their first circle entry in the 12th minute when an individual effort from Marius Leser resulted in a shot and Seyaki Charasika was on the rebound, but he couldn’t quite redirect it on frame.

The Wolves continued the attacking energy to open the second quarter and just 30 seconds were able to cut the lead. A USA penalty corner resulted in Charasika dragging it into the lower right corner to make it 1-2. Midway through the period, Scotland had an opportune moment after a well defended set piece led to a counterattack and open net, but the reverse shot was hooked wide. USA kept pressuring and in the 28th minute leveled the score when Charasika tallied his second penalty corner goal to bring it to 2-2. The Wolves closed with one more set piece, but it was well defended by Scotland’s first runner.

The third period opened with both sides trading circle penetrations before Scotland found themselves in a numbers up situation. A backhand cross from outside the circle landed in a diving teammates’ body, relieving the USA defense. On the resuming play, Scotland earned a penalty corner and although the movement at the top was not handled properly, Christian DeAngelis picked up a 5-minute yellow which resulted in another set piece for Scotland. On the second attempt Klages stood tall and saved the high drag with his blocker. In the final minute, Michael Barminski recorded a shot, and, on the outlet, USA earned a penalty corner. The initial shot by Mohan Gandhi went through traffic but Wyatt Katz was on the post for the second chance, but it was saved. It looked like Scotland earned themselves a set piece with a few seconds to go before the break but after consulting the entry was deemed high.

Just two minutes into the final frame, Scotland regained the lead when Walker scored a low angled backhand into the opposite net. The opposition held control for an extended period as time ticked on. USA removed Klages from the cage with a few minutes to go but Scotland defended well to take the game.

At the conclusion of the game, Struan Walker was named Player of the Match.

The Wolves have advanced to the semifinals and will face No. 17 Egypt on February 22 at 6:30 a.m. ET.

All matches from the event can be live streamed free on FIH.Hockey.

For more information on the 2025 FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2, visit the event page.

#FIHNationsCup

All photographs appearing on this site are property of USA Field Hockey/World Sport Pics. They are protected by the U.S. Copyright Laws, and are not to be downloaded, reproduced or used in any way without written permission of USA Field Hockey/World Sport Pics.

If you are a college SID, club coach, sponsor or media outlet, email communications@usafieldhockey.com.