USA Field Hockey NEWS WORLD CUP BOUND: Ind...

WORLD CUP BOUND: Indoor USWNT Defeats Argentina for IPAC Gold

Oct. 21, 2017, 7:22 p.m. (ET)

Images courtesy of Yan Huckendubler/PAHF

GEORGETOWN, Guyana - October 21, 2017 - The U.S. Women's National Indoor Team topped FIH Hero World Ranked No. 13 Argentina by a final of 2-1 in the women's Indoor Pan American Cup (IPAC) final Saturday afternoon in Georgetown, Guyana. The victory also gives the Indoor USWNT a bid to the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup this coming February in Berlin, Germany. It is the team's first ever bid to the Indoor World Cup as USA went 7-0 during the six-day event.

Ali Campbell (Boyertown, Pa.) scored the game-winning goal on a penalty stroke attempt late in the second half. The goal was the 19th for Campbell at IPAC, earning her Top Scoring honors for IPAC. Campbell was also named Best Player of the tournament, while Sammy Popper (Blue Bell, Pa.) was named Junior Player of the tournament.

With support in the crowd by U.S. Ambassador, Perry Holloway, and a large contingent from the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown, the Indoor USWNT played with poise and determination while achieving new historical feats.

“This was an incredible team effort,” said team captain, Hannah Prince (Gorham, Maine).“We are proud to be the first U.S. Women’s Indoor Team to qualify for the Indoor World Cup and especially proud to have the only female coach in the tournament. Jun [Kentwell] is a fantastic coach and motivator.”
Both squads played strong defense allowing very few opportunities throughout the first half. Katherine Gerzabek (Springfield, Pa.) and Mary Beth Barham (Fairfax, Va.) struck close, and Samantha Carlino (Kennett Square, Pa.) stepped up when it counted to make critical saves, one in particular on a deflection from point blank range.

The second half continued in similar cat and mouse vain. USA earned a corner, but Campbell’s shot flew inches over the crossbar. But a quick free hit found Barham in midfield who slipped the ball through to Gerzabek to give USA the first goal of the contest with a subtle deflection. It did not take Argentina long to respond as they pressed hard for the equalizer, when Emma Yanzi was given a room on the right of the circle moments after the USA goal as she fired the equalizer just inside the far post.
 
USA responded immediately. Barham intercepted a pass on the top of the Argentina circle and was brought down as she rounded the goalkeeper. Drama ensued from the resulting penalty stroke. Campbell buried the stroke, but the goal was disallowed because the umpire had not blown her whistle. After consultation, the umpires decided a whistle was blown in the stands and the stroke was to be retaken. Campbell kept her nerve and make no mistake converting her chance a second time to give the red, white and blue the 2-1 lead with six minutes left to play.
 
With the seconds ticking slowly away, USA's defense held strong. The forwards pressed hard up front and recovered into midfield to defend, putting constant pressure on the skillful Argentina players. As time ran out Argentina was awarded their first penalty corner of the half. The tension could be felt throughout the packed arena as Argentina prepared for the final play of the game. They chose an option play but a USA defender got their stick on the ball and it rolled harmlessly over the end line to the relief and joy of the USA Team.

Two different USA athletes also received honors for their incredible performances. Campbell earned Top Goalscorer of the Tournament, tallying an impressive 19 goals throughout the event, and Best Player of the Tournament on the women's side. Popper was named the Junior Player of the Tournament.

Stayed tuned to usafieldhockey.com for more details on the Indoor USWNT and the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup. #IPAC2017

Goal Scoring Summary:
Team Minute Player Action Score
 USA  31  #6 Gerzabek FG  1 - 0
 ARG  34  #9 Yanzi FG   1 - 1
 USA  35  #5 Campbell PS  2 - 1