USA Draws with Great Britain, 0-0

August 18, 2008

Game5vsgreatbritain_006

Photo: Jeff Gamza

Angie Loy

The U.S. Olympic Team for Women’s Field Hockey fought to a 0-0 draw with Great Britain at the Olympic Green Hockey Stadium. The match was their final game of Olympic Games pool play. The USA finished with a record of one win, one loss, and three ties.

The draw slots the USA in fourth place in Pool B standings. The Americans will play the fourth place team in Pool A, likely Spain, in a crossover match that will determine 7th and 8th place in the final standings. The game is scheduled for Wednesday, August 20 at 11:00am.

Germany and Argentina, the top two teams from Pool B, will continue on to the semifinal rounds. The draw secured third place for Great Britain.

The USA had an opportunity to progress to the semifinal round with a multi-goal victory over Great Britain and a loss by Argentina against New Zealand.

Statistically, the United States controlled much of the contest against Great Britain, creating nine penalty corners, but could not score.

“We set up a game plan that we thought would be successful, and we executed 99% of it,” said USA head coach Lee Bodimeade.  “At the end of the day, it’s how many times you get the ball into the back of net to see if you win or lose. We were happy with the field play, but where it really counts, we didn’t take full advantage. It’s a draw. We didn’t fulfill what we started out for at the start of the game.”

“Obviously, we are disappointed,” said team captain Kate Barber (West Chester, PA / North Carolina). “But I thought we played well and dominated the attack.”

“The United States is a very tough team, very physically tough,” said English midfielder Helen Richardson. “They threw everything at us.”

Great Britain had an opportunity to win the game on a penalty corner as time expired, but the Americans successfully defended the shot.

“We were going for the win,” said striker Keli Smith (Selinsgrove, PA / Maryland). “It is disappointing when you dominate a game statistically and just to do not put the ball in the cage.”

 

 

 

 

Rate It

Signin to rank content.

Comments

Comments RSS

  1. On August 18, 2008 Richard Crispin wrote

    What a great group! Sure beats not being in the Olympics all to pieces! My daughter (14) is really pumped... that is what this is all about as far as I am concerned... inspiring the next generation to compete at this level. God love you women for your dedication! Question: Who do we play next? Answer: Probably Spain. Question: What does that mean? Answer: Bad news for Spain!

  2. On August 18, 2008 Jaime Barber wrote

    It is a shame the refs were not a little bit more on the ball this week. Girls-you deserved more!!! You are still our heroes!!!

  3. On August 18, 2008 Constantine Soteriades wrote

    The umpires had nothing to do with conversion/acquisition of corners. These women played very hard and we should be proud of the efforts that they and the staff have put forth.

  4. On August 21, 2008 Aunt Scarlett wrote

    Great job, ladies! You have inspired my daughter and many others who may have never been interested in field hockey before. Caroline Nichols, you are a true hero in the eyes of your little cousin...she thinks you are the absolute best! We love you! A big congratulations to the entire team - you played very well and should be proud of yourselves!

In order to comment you must be signed in.

Not a member? Register Now.