BILTHOVEN, The Netherlands - April 18, 2019 - On a beautiful sunny afternoon in a tranquil setting, the U.S. Women's National Development Team faced Belgium's U-21 team in the third game of the tour at the Stichtsche Cricket en Hockeyclub in Bilthoven, The Netherlands. The 60-minute match was a battle that saw USA convert on a penalty stroke in the third and the Red Panthers fight to find the equalizer on a broken penalty corner to force the game to a shootout. The red, white and blue prevailed through four well executed performances and exemplary goalkeeping for the 4-1 shootout victory.

Similar to their first two tour games, USA started the first quarter on a positive note displaying a high energy performance that led them to beat Scotland twice earlier in the week. USA was far better with possession of the ball and was able to create a number of half chances but could not break the deadlock. Once again, Karlie Heistand (Hamburg, Pa.) provided the team with her calm presence in the middle of the pitch and Taylor Stone (Herndon, Va.) and Virginia Bramley (Elizabethtown, Pa.) were industrious and combative throughout.

Midway through the second quarter, USA was given a golden opportunity to take the lead. After some nice passing interplay down the right side, Blood found herself with time and space inside the Belgium circle. Before Blood could get a shot off she was fouled and a penalty stroke was awarded. Unfortunately, USA was unable to convert leaving the score at 0-0 going into halftime.

The third quarter saw both teams working hard and an endeavor was rewarded to USA when Erin Shanahan (Pasadena, Md.) found herself through on goal, but once again a recovering Belgium defender broke the play down and the umpire had no option but to award a penalty stroke. This time Erin McCrudden (Yorktown Heights, N.Y.) successfully converted to give the team a 1-0 lead.

Belgium responded with a good series of passing play and were rewarded for this with a series of penalty corners. A poorly executed insert broke kindly to Belgium who was able to take the ball wide and squeeze a shot under USA goalkeeper Carrera Lucas (Brooklandville, Md.) to level the game at 1 -1. With both teams pushing for the victory, USA created a good opportunity at the far post but unfortunately could only find the side board. Regulation finished 1-1 forcing the game to be decided in a shootout.

Well executed routines from Alexandra Hammel (Duxbury, Mass.), Carrie Hanks (Niskayuna, N.Y.), McCrudden and Shanahan and strong goalkeeping from Lucas ensured the team to a 4-1 shootout victory.

“This was an extremely enjoyable game for us to play in, we used the ball well and pressed extremely well," said Kelly Marks (Blue Bell, Pa.), U.S. Women's National Development Team Captain, following the game. "That has been the real stamp of this team over the past three games and it’s a great platform for us to create chances from.”

The U.S. Women's National Development Team has their final game of the tour tomorrow, Friday, April 19 at 12:00 p.m. ET against Stichtsche HC. For more information, visit the U.S. Women’s National Development Team Tour event page by clicking here.