CHULA VISTA, CA- The USA Women's National Team fell to the No. 7 world ranked Australian Team this afternoon, at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA. Despite an even and scoreless match heading into the second half, Australia was able score on USA's goalkeeper Jackie Kintzer (Robesonia, Pa) to take the 1-0 victory. With the win, Australia improves to a 1-0-1 record in the series.
Australia's lone goal was scored in the 40th minute by Georgia Nanscawen, after a defensive error coming out of the backfield. Australia took advantage of USA's slip-up and captialized with a shot to the corner of Kintzer's cage.
Shannon Taylor (Midlothian, VA) fired a shot past Australia's keeper on a penalty corner, but the goal was reviewed and disallowed. Kintzer's solid performance in goal earned her Player of the Match.
"I thought we competed very well," said Head Coach Lee Bodimeade. "We didn't handle the ball as well as yesterday, and we were punished by an error coming out of the defense that led to Australia's goal. I am pleased that we were able to elevate our intensity and apply pressure in the last ten minutes of the match. Unfortunately, we saw no return for that pressure. We will continue to expose players to this level of competition as part of our development, adding to the depth of the Olympic Squad."
The series will continue on Tuesday, January 17 at 1pm. The final match of the series will be played on Wednesday, January 18, also at 1pm. Following the conclusion of the series, Australia will travel to Argentina to continue their preparations for the Olympic Games. The USA will remain in Chula Vista, CA until late February, when the team will depart for a Four Nations tournament in Spain.
USFHA media release
