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SANTIAGO, Chile – After the match was delayed a day, the No. 13 U.S. Women’s National Team and No. 11 Japan met in their second pool game of the 2025 FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Santiago, Chile. Following an action filled first quarter, USA took control and made the most of their opportunities as they topped the Cherry Blossoms, 4-2, and secured a spot in the semifinals.
"Overall I’m happy with the result, to score four goals including another well executed penalty corner to secure our spot in the semifinals with a game to spare is good," said David Passmore, USWNT Head Coach, after the game. "We do all know we will need to be better defensively over the next three games. It is great to see our midfielders scoring and forwards help providing them. We have a short turnaround now before playing three big games in four days so our recovery strategies are key."
The opening quarter had a slow start and very few offensive looks, but both teams made the most of their chances. USA took the lead in the 7th minute when Phia Gladieux (Oley, Pa.) got a slight touch through Japan’s defense that set Katie Dixon (Cary, N.C.) up for a one-time backhand into the corner. Five minutes later, the Cherry Blossoms evened the game when Mai Toriyama’s lifted shot snuck through goalkeeper Jenny Rizzo (Hershey, Pa.). It looked like the two teams would go into the break tied, but with under a minute to go, Gladieux dribbled up the field and passed it off to Kelee Lepage (Honey Brook, Pa.) who sent a low backhand into the bottom right to regain the lead for United Eagles, 2-1.
Possession was shared for a majority of the second quarter, as both teams had an overwhelming number of double turnovers and struggled to keep control. Midway through Japan had three penalty corners in succession, with each one absorbed by the solid USA defensive unit which did not allow a shot near the goal. The period closed with an unchanged scoreline, with USA going into halftime leading, 2-1.
USA was on the front foot for most of the third quarter and extended their lead in the 44th minute. After multiple circle entries, Sanne Caarls (Nieuw-Vennep, Netherlands) earned the red, white and blue their first penalty corner and on the chance, Jans Croon (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) swept it down to Maddie Zimmer (Hershey, Pa.) who deflected it in. Japan had another set piece well-defended by USA and toward the end of the frame, Rizzo turned away a shot.
The fourth quarter was about time management for USA –smart passes and disciplined pressing. The Eagles added to their lead in the 53rd minute when Mia Schoenbeck (LaGrange, Ky.) had her individual run rewarded when her reverse sweep got through Japan’s goalkeeper to make it 4-1. On the resuming play, the Cherry Blossoms charged forward and earned a penalty stroke after being pushed to the turf. Hanami Saito stepped up and converted to bring it to 4-2. Japan took some risks as time ticked down, but the Eagles held on to secure the victory.
At the conclusion of the game, Maddie Zimmer was named Player of the Match.
The Eagles will play their final pool game on tomorrow, February 27 against hosts, No. 14 Chile, at 5:00 p.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, visit the event page.
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