Belgium Narrowly Defeats Indoor USWNT in High Scoring Rohrmax Cup Match

VIENNA, Austria – The No. 9 U.S. Women’s National Indoor Team faced closely ranked No. 8 Belgium in their second contest of the day at the 2025 Rohrmax Cup in Vienna, Austria. The high scoring contest saw the score change thirteen times as the Red Panthers narrowly defeated the USA, 6-7.

The first quarter saw back-and-forth action for most of the frame. Just when it seemed the first break would come without a score from either side, the Red Panthers went ahead off a penalty corner goal with 23 seconds to play.

Belgium quickly doubled their lead, converting just 25 seconds into the second quarter. Moments later, a hard foul outside USA’s attacking circle earned them a penalty corner. Off the chance, Reese D’Ariano (West Chester, Pa.) scored to make it 1-2. At the 11:30 mark, the Eagles evened the game after D’Ariano weaved through three defenders and sent the ball through for Charly Bruder (Malvern, Pa.) to finish. Belgium regained the lead midway through the frame on a powerful push that got past USA goalkeeper Liz Tamburro (Phoenixville, Pa.). The Eagles responded in the 18th minute after a great defensive stop by Sofia Ferri (Phoenixville, Pa.) was rewarded with an overlap run and tap in goal. The Red Panthers answered seconds later, putting in a rebound off Tamburro’s pads to make it 3-4 heading into the break.

The scoring action continued in the third quarter as USA evened it up, 4-4, just 30 seconds in when D’Ariano’s low angle shot sailed into the top of the net. In the 23rd minute, D’Ariano picked off a Belgium player and as she rushed toward the goal, and was fouled hard - earning USA a penalty stroke. Unfortunately, D'Ariano's attempt went just wide. A minute later and an athlete down, Belgium put themselves back on top, 4-5, tallying off a penalty corner. The Red Panthers then added another set piece goal in the 27th minute to go up 4-6. With under a minute to go, Erin Matson (Chadds Ford, Pa.) worked the ball in the circle and earned USA a penalty stroke – which she stepped up and converted – to bring it to 5-6.

Both sides would add one more goal each in the final frame. USA’s came in the 34th minute when D’Ariano entered the circle in the right corner and reverse flicked it into the net. Belgium found the game winner with just a minute to go, when a no look pass found a teammate open on the far post to score. The Eagles fought but narrowly fell 6-7.  

The Eagles play their final pool match tomorrow at 2:00 a.m. ET against No. 2 Czechia. The women’s crossovers will take place at 11:20 a.m. ET and 1:45 p.m. ET.

The event will be live streamed on SV Arminen TV (YouTube).

For more information on the 2025 Rohrmax Cup, visit the event page.