DUSSELDORF, Germany - April 19, 2019 - The U.S. U-19 Women's National Team began their international tour going up against Germany's U-18 team. Played at the Düsseldorfer Hockey Club, the spring evening saw USA learn valuable lessons in top international hockey as they fell to the hosts 1-4.

Germany started the first quarter furiously, putting USA under a lot of high pressure. This resulted in a total of ten circle entries for Die Danas, but USA goalkeeper Gabrielle Barraco (Allentown, Pa.) was there to make multiple saves including one on a penalty corner. After seven shots, Germany was able to break through the deadlock to score and make it 0-1.

USA started the second quarter after having made some tactical changes in the short break. This resulted in a higher success rate on the outlet as well as more counter attacking opportunities gained from press situations. Madison Orobono (Macungie, Pa.) was instrumental with her passing from the back and Kathryn Peterson (San Diego, Calif.) dominated the midfield with her strong physical presence and dynamic play. A fast attacking combination over the right side of the field between Megan Connors (San Diego, Calif.) and Leah Crouse (Virginia Beach, Va.) showed what USA was capable of producing. The continued attack earned USA five circle penetrations that followed with multiple shots on goal. At the other end Germany showed how lethal they were by converting on their first chance of the second quarter to go ahead 0-2.

After the halftime break, USA came out fierce and was the dominating team resulting in another six circle entries and their first penalty corner of the game. Unfortunately, the execution wasn't up to par and Germany was able to counter attack. This led to a shift of momentum and Die Danas were able to score a tip in goal to put the hosts up 0-3.

The fourth quarter continued in the same way, but USA was determined to get a goal before the end of the match. An unfortunate turnover close to the defensive circle led to Germany tallying another goal to make it 0-4. USA decided to pressure Die Danas even more and this led to key interceptions from Peyton Wirth (Thompsontown, Pa.) and Riley Donnelly (Doylestown, Pa.) in the midfield. Emma Deberdine (Millersville, Pa.) kept fueling the energy of the team with her high work rate and fast pace. The team effort earned seven circle penetrations and another penalty corner which USA converted on when Katie Schneider (San Diego, Calif.) finished a rebound in clinical fashion to make the final score 1-4.

”We learned a lot about our game," said Ole Keusgen, U-19 USWNT Head Coach, following the game. "We adapted well in our strengthes and weaknesses throughout the game and found ways to create more opportunities to score. Our outcome on those situations wasn’t the best but the next game will give us a chance to improve."

The U.S. U-19 Women's National Team returns to action on Saturday, April 20 when they face Belgium's U-18 team at 10:00 a.m. ET. For more information U-19 USWNT Tour event page by clicking here.