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News for 17 September 2017

All the news for Sunday 17 September 2017


Sardar Singh returns to Indian hockey team for Asia Cup


Sardar Singh in action. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Veteran midfielder Sardar Singh on Saturday returned to the national team as Hockey India named a strong 18-member squad under the captaincy of Manpreet Singh for the Asia Cup to be held in Dhaka from October 11-22.

Sardar, recently awarded the prestigious Khel Ratna Award, was dropped from the Indian team which toured Europe last month but got a recall for next month’s event to strengthen the team.

Two other key players, who were dropped for the Europe tour, forwards S.V. Sunil and Akashdeep Singh also made a return. Defenders Harmanpreet Singh and Surender Kumar also made a return after being rested for the Europe tour.

Sunil has been named deputy to Manpreet, who has been retained as the captain despite a poor show by the team in the Hockey World League semifinal in London in June and a mixed result at last month’s European tour.

Goalkeepers Akash Chikte and Suraj Karkera retain their spot in the squad while forward Satbir Singh got a recall.

After giving some top junior players some good exposure in the Europe Tour, HI named a squad with a blend of youth and experience.

“I am looking forward to working with the team which has been picked to have a good blend of experience and youth. The upcoming Hero Asia Cup 2017 will be our first tournament together, and I am very excited to see how the team expresses their leadership qualities on the field,” chief coach Sjoerd Marijne said.

“I have previously watched the team live in Netherlands, and I feel that the energy within the team and their play is very impressive. We will be focusing on performing well as a team and will be aiming to win the tournament,” he added.

India feature in Pool A alongside Japan, hosts Bangladesh and Pakistan. They will start their campaign against Japan on October 11 before facing Bangladesh on October 13.

The team will play their third and final league match against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 15. Ahead of their departure, the national squad will continue with their camp until October 5.

India had finished runners-up to South Korea in the last edition in Ipoh in 2013.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Akash Chikte, Suraj Karkera

Defenders: Dipsan Tirkey, Kothajit Singh, Surender Kumar, Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar.

Midfielders: S.K. Uthappa, Sardar Singh, Manpreet Singh (captain), Chinglensana Singh, Sumit.

Forwards: S.V. Sunil (vice-captain), Akashdeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Gurjant Singh, Satbir Singh.

The Hindu



Manpreet Singh to lead Indian hockey team in Asia Cup

NEW DELHI: Midfielder Manpreet Singh will be leading the 18-member Indian men's hockey team at the Hero Asia Cup scheduled to be held in Dhaka from October 11-22.

Forward SV Sunil will be Manpreet's deputy.

After giving some top junior players some good exposure in the recent Europe Tour, Hockey India named a squad with a blend of youth and experience.

Goalkeepers Akash Chikte and Suraj Karkera retain their spot in the squad whereas defenders Harmanpreet Singh and Surender Kumar make a return after being rested for the Europe Tour.

The squad will also see the return of seasoned pros like former skipper Sardar Singh, Sunil, Akashdeep Singh and Satbir Singh.

"I am looking forward to working with the team which has been picked to have a good blend of experience and youth. The upcoming Hero Asia Cup 2017 will be our first tournament together, and I am very excited to see how the team expresses their leadership qualities on the field," chief coach Sjoerd Marijne said.

"I have previously watched the team live in Netherlands, and I feel that the energy within the team and their play is very impressive. We will be focusing on performing well as a team and will be aiming to win the tournament," he added.

India feature in Pool A alongside Japan, hosts Bangladesh and Pakistan.

They will start their tournament against Japan on October 11, 2017 before facing Bangladesh on October 13, 2017.

The team will play their third and final league match against arch rivals Pakistan on October 15, 2017.

Ahead of their departure, the national squad will continue with their camp until October 5.

The Times of India



No Sreejesh till 2018 Commonwealth Games, says David John

Rutvick Mehta



Injured India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh will not return to action until the 2018 Commonwealth Games in April next year, Hockey India (HI) high performance director David John said on Saturday.

"Sreejesh will not be available for selection until the (2018) Commonwealth Games," John told DNA.

Having undergone a knee surgery in June, Sreejesh returned to the national camp in Bengaluru this week ahead of the Asia Cup next month.

"Happy to join these buddies.... Back in Bangalore for the camp #preparation #camp," Sreejesh tweeted on Wednesday.

The India captain sustained a ligament tear in his right knee during the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in May this year, after which he underwent surgery in Mumbai in June.

But while it was expected that India's best goalkeeper will regain full fitness and come back to guard the post in the Hockey World League Finals in India in December, John has made it clear that he won't be back on the turf before the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

This means India will continue playing with two young, inexperienced goalkeepers in Akash Chikte and Suraj Karkera at least for six more months.

DNA



U-21 USMNT Roster Confirmed for Sultan of Johor Cup 2017 in Malaysia



COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – U.S. U-21 Men’s National Team Head Coach Rutger Wiese and coaching staff have confirmed the 16-athlete roster that will travel to Malaysia for the 7th annual Sultan of Johor Cup. Taking place October 22 to October 29, the tournament will be held at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Baru.

“I see this tournament as a great way to further develop our very young squad and program,” commented Wiese. “It is extremely important that we continue to compete against the highest level possible, and the Sultan of Johor Cup will be a great experience and defining moment as we continue to build for the Junior Pan American Championship in 2020.”

Sections for this invitation only event took place at the Junior U.S. Men’s National Team Talent Identification Camp held at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif from July 14-16, 2017. Additional athletes were selected after a 6-day training session held in Moorpark, Calif. in August.

Prior to departure, the U-21 USMNT will hold one final training camp in Moorpark, Calif. the first weekend in October before leaving for Malaysia on Wednesday, October 18. Team USA will arrive on Friday, October 20 and will have a few practice sessions before opening up tournament play on Sunday, October 22 against defending champions Australia. Other involved teams in the round-robin competition are Great Britain, men’s Hockey Junior World Cup champions India, Japan and Malaysia.

Sultan of Johor Cup Pool Matches:

Sunday, October 22         USA vs. AUS        6:05 a.m. ET
Monday, October 23        USA vs. GBR        6:05 a.m. ET
Wednesday, October 25        USA vs. IND        6:05 a.m. ET
Thursday, October 26        USA vs. MAS        6:05 a.m. ET
Saturday, October 28        USA vs. JPN        8:35 a.m. ET

Click here for the full Sultan of Johor Cup schedule.

The week-long tournament, Sultan of Johor Cup was founded seven years ago in October 2011 by Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar. The concept was to bring together six-teams in the U-21 age division to participate among top world-ranked teams. It is the first field hockey championships held yearly on an international platform besides the Junior World Cup, which is organized every four years.

U.S. U-21 Men’s National Team Sultan of Johor Cup Roster:
Payton Breslow (Moorpark, Calif.), Alex Curtis (London, United Kingdom), Gerald Cutone (Reading, Mass.), Christian DeAngelis (Doylestown, Pa.), Jack Gallucci (Trubell, Conn.), Zaid Hassan (Santa Clara, Calif.), Liam Hawley (Ventura, Calif.), Vincent Heller (Stuttgart, Germany), Colin Hennessy (Marlborough, Mass.), Graeme Jackson (Moorpark, Calif.), David Kristof (Darien, Conn.), Nate O’Lari (Orange, Mass.), Finlay Quaile (Tauton, United Kingdom), Dean Schiller (Alexandria, Va.), Puneet Singh (San Jose, Calif.), Cameron Spach (Thousand Oaks, Calif.)

USFHA media release



Midlands make statement at Ford NHL


Photo: www.photosport.nz

The Midlands Women have made a statement with an impressive 4-1 win over the Central Mysticks at the Ford National Hockey League in Wellington.

After Saturday’s frustrating loss to Northland, Midlands made their chances count against Central with two goals in each half.

Defender Natasha FitzSimons starred with a hat-trick all scored from penalty corners while Gemma McCaw added another with a well-worked field goal.

Midlands captain Samantha Charlton said it was pleasing to be able to capitalise on their attacking opportunities and bank four points.

“After yesterday’s game a real work on for us was to be a lot more clinical and I definitely think we improved on those areas,” she said.

“Central have a strong and experienced defence with the likes of Kayla Whitelock and Emily Gaddum so we knew it was going to be tough. It took us a while to break them down but credit to our strikers who stuck to the game plan.”

Auckland came away with their second straight win after two early goals helped them overcome the Southern Storm 2-1.

Julia King opened the scoring for Auckland in the fifth minute after converting from a penalty corner before Deanna Ritchie fired home her side’s second goal with a strong forehand shot.

Southern pulled one back through Ellie Duncan from an 11th minute penalty corner but neither side was able to trouble the scorers throughout the remainder of the match.

Defending champions the Canterbury Cats were pushed hard by hosts Capital but held on under pressure to secure a 1-0 result.

Striker Rachel McCann provided the pivotal moment after delivering the game winning goal from a penalty corner midway through the second quarter to keep the Cats undefeated.

Northland held on to narrowly defeat North Harbour 4-3 as heavy rain pelted down on the final match of the day at the National Hockey Stadium.

Northland led 4-1 at halftime after goals from Stacey Michelsen, Tyler Lench, Brooke Neal and Ashlyn McBurnie.

North Harbour mounted a comeback in the second half with Jana Teschke and Stephanie Elliott scoring goals, but they weren’t able to find an equaliser as time drew to a close.

The men’s teams are in action from 1:00pm tomorrow while the women have a day off before their final round of pool play on Tuesday.

CLICK HERE for more on the 2017 Ford National Hockey League

FORD NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Sunday 17th September

WOMEN’S RESULTS

Auckland beat Southern Storm 2-1
Auckland: 2 (Julia King, Deanna Ritchie)
Southern Storm: 1 (Ellie Duncan)
Halftime: Auckland 2-1

Canterbury Cats beat Capital 1-0
Canterbury Cats: 1 (Rachel McCann)
RICOH Capital: 0
Halftime: Canterbury 1-0

Bayleys Midlands beat Central Mysticks 4-1
Bayleys Midlands: 4 (Natasha FitzSimons 3, Gemma McCaw)
Central Mysticks: 1 (Holly Pearson)
Halftime: Midlands 2-1

Mark Cromie Northland beat TigerTurf North Harbour 4-3
Mark Cromie Holden Northland: 4 (Stacey Michelsen, Tyler Lench, Brooke Neal, Ashlyn McBurnie)
TigerTurf North Harbour: 3 (Samantha Polovnikoff, Jana Teschke, Stephanie Elliott)
Halftime: Northland 4-2

Hockey New Zealand Media release



Canterbury women go two from two at NHL despite scare from Capital


Canterbury's Rachel McCann, is surrounded by her teammates after scoring the only goal in their 1-0 win over Capital. KEVIN STENT/STUFF

Defending champions Canterbury made hard work of it against the hosts but emerged with a perfect record after two days of the National Hockey League in Wellington.

After a 3-0 win over Southern to open their title defence, the Cats pipped Capital 1-0 on Sunday as they eye a day off and build towards Thursday's quarterfinals.

Striker Rachel McCann delivered the winning goal from a penalty corner midway through the second quarter to keep the Cats undefeated.


Outstanding Capital midfielder Kelsey Smith charges upfield during the hosts' 1-0 loss to Canterbury KEVIN STENT/STUFF

Black Stick Kelsey Smith was outstanding for Capital but the hosts are yet to trouble the scorers after two days, having opened with a 2-0 defeat to Auckland.

Midlands women made a statement with an impressive 4-1 win over Central to highlight day two.


Capital's Lydia Velzian is pursued by Canterbury's Charlotte Symes. KEVIN STENT/STUFF

After Saturday's frustrating loss to Northland, Midlands made their chances count against Central with two goals in each half.

Defender Natasha FitzSimons starred with a hat-trick all scored from penalty corners while Gemma McCaw added another with a well-worked field goal.

Midlands captain Samantha Charlton said it was pleasing to be able to capitalise on their attacking opportunities and bank four points.

"After yesterday's game a real work on for us was to be a lot more clinical and I definitely think we improved on those areas," she said.

"Central have a strong and experienced defence with the likes of Kayla Whitelock and Emily Gaddum so we knew it was going to be tough. It took us a while to break them down but credit to our strikers who stuck to the game plan."

Auckland came away with their second straight win after two early goals helped them overcome the Southern Storm 2-1.

Julia King opened the scoring for Auckland in the fifth minute after converting from a penalty corner before Deanna Ritchie fired home her side's second goal with a strong forehand shot.

Southern pulled one back through Ellie Duncan from an 11th minute penalty corner but neither side was able to trouble the scorers throughout the remainder of the match.

Northland held on to narrowly defeat North Harbour 4-3 as heavy rain pelted down on the final match of the day at the National Hockey Stadium.

Northland led 4-1 at halftime after goals from Stacey Michelsen, Tyler Lench, Brooke Neal and Ashlyn McBurnie.

The men had Sunday off after a frantic opening day where North Harbour snatched a 4-3 win over Capital in a thriller.

Capital led 3-1 and looked set for an upset but Harbour fought back and poured on three goals in the fourth quarter to take the result.

Cory Bennett featured with a double from penalty corner drag flicks while Robbie Capizzi and Matt Symonds also found the back of the net.

Last year's runners-up Canterbury had an emphatic 10-1 result over Northland fuelled by a four-goal bag from striker Sam Lane.

Auckland were impressive as they warded off Central 3-0, while Southern downed Midlands 2-1 in cold and wet conditions with Nick Ross scoring the deciding goal in the 35th minute.

SUNDAY RESULTS

Auckland 2 (Julia King, Deanna Ritchie) Southern 1 (Ellie Duncan). HT: 2-1.

Canterbury 1 (Rachel McCann) Capital 0. HT: 1-0.

Midlands 4 (Natasha FitzSimons 3, Gemma McCaw) Central 1 (Holly Pearson). HT: 2-1.

Northland 4 (Stacey Michelsen, Tyler Lench, Brooke Neal, Ashlyn McBurnie) North Harbour 3 (Samantha Polovnikoff, Jana Teschke, Stephanie Elliott). HT: 4-2.

Stuff



GTB Gold Cup: South Central Railway top the pool by defeating Punjab Police 4-3



Mumbai: South Central Railway (SCR) Secundrabad dished out another good combined performance and romped to a 4-3 win against Punjab Police in a fast-paced and exciting Pool-A league match of the 13th PMC Bank-Guru Tegh Bahadur Gold Cup All India Hockey Tournament, played at the MHAL-Mahindra Stadium, Churchgate.

The southern team finished with an all-win record and topped the pool while Punjab Police who suffered their first defeat finished in second place. Both advanced to last four.

South Central Railway will now take on Pool-B runners-up Army XI in the second semi-final on Monday at 4.30 pm, while Punjab Police will meet Indian Oil in the first semi-final at 2.30 pm.

The Secundrabad outfit took the lead from their second penalty corner when full backs Gagandeep Singh’s drag-flick went in through goalkeeper Harjot Singh’s pads in the 19th minute. However the railwaymen looked to have lost steam towards the end of the first half and the Punjab policemen cashed in on the situation and pushed forward. They repeatedly raided the rival territory and forced few penalty corners and managed to convert two. First Olympian Dharmvir Singh tapped in the rebound after Harbir Sandhu’s try from their third penalty corner was blocked by goalkeeper Sushant Tirkey’s pads in the 27th minute. Two minutes later, Hardeep Singh with a direct hit scored from the fifth penalty corner to give Punjab Police the lead.

SCR restored parity immediately on resumption when Syed Niyaz Rahim scored with a rasping drive from the top of the circle in the 38th minute and 10 minutes later Mayank James scored with an angular hit to help SCR regain the lead. The railwaymen increased the lead with Gagandeep converting another penalty corner in the 62nd minute. The Punjab cops managed to cut the margin when Gurwinder Singh scored from a penalty corner late in the game.

Earlier in a match of no significance, Central Railway after conceding an early goal, managed to turn things around with two strikes from penalty corners in each half to snatch a 2-1 win against MHAL President’s XI in a Pool-B encounter.

Mayur Patil gave President’s XI an early lead when he scored a field goal in the very sixth minute. But, Central Railway fought back and got the equaliser through Harmeet Singh’s short corner conversion in the 23rd minute before consistent scorer Rajendra Pawar scored the winner from another penalty corner in the 61st minute.

There will be no match on Sunday.

Results – Pool-A: South Central Railway 4 (Gagandeep Singh 19th-PC, 62nd-PC, Syed Niyaz Rahim 38th, Mayank James 48th) beat Punjab Police (Dharamvir Singh 27th-PC, Hardeep Singh 29th-PC, Gurwinder Singh 68th-PC). Pool-B: Central Railway 2 (Harmeet Singh 23rd-PC, Rajendra Singh 61st-PC) beat MHAL President XI 1 (Mayur Patil 6th).

Stick2Hockey.com



Punjab Police lose but qualify for semifinals

Mumbai: South Central Railway (SCR), Secunderabad, beat Punjab Police 4-3 in a Pool A match of the 13th Guru Tegh Bahadur Gold Cup hockey tournament today. SCR finished with an all-win record and topped the pool, while Punjab Police, who suffered their first defeat, finished in second place. Both the teams advanced to the semifinals.

SCR will take on Pool B runners-up Army XI, while Punjab Police will meet Indian Oil in semifinals on Monday.

SCR took the lead from their second penalty corner when Gagandeep Singh’s drag-flick went in through Harjot Singh’s pads in the 19th minute.

However, SCR lost steam towards the end of the first half and Punjab Police pushed forward. They repeatedly raided the rival territory and earned a number of penalty corners, managing to convert two. Dharmvir Singh tapped in the rebound after Harbir Sandhu’s try from their third penalty corner was blocked by goalkeeper Sushant Tirkey in the 27th minute. Two minutes later, Hardeep Singh scored from their fifth penalty corner to give Punjab Police the lead.

SCR restored parity immediately when Syed Niyaz Rahim scored with a rasping drive from the top of the circle in the 38th minute. Mayank James scored 10 minutes later to help SCR regain the lead. SCR increased the lead with Gagandeep converting another penalty corner in the 62nd minute. Punjab Police cut the margin when Gurwinder Singh scored from a penalty corner.

The Tribune



Delights at Friday Night Lights


Uddingston v Western Wildcats – photo by Mark Pugh

In Scottish Men’s National League 1 it was a dream debut for Edinburgh University`s new signing Davyn Keuter, he collected a double hat-trick of set piece goals in the students` thrilling 8-5 win over city neighbours Inverleith.

The 24-year-old South African, who played for second division Kingdom Homes Dunfermline Carnegie last season, made an immediate impact with four penalty corner conversions with the other two coming from the spot.

The students` other scorers were Ewen Mackie, also on his debut against his former club, and Ian Moodie.

Stephen Dick scored twice for Inverleith while their other strikes came from Kyle Wright, Murray Fotheringham and Magnus Ferrier.

In the other National League 1 match yesterday Western Wildcats clawed their way to a 1-0 victory at Uddingston. The only goal of the game was scored by teenager Rob Harwood from the spot in the first half.

Milne Craig Clydesdale Western remain in pole position in women`s National League 1 with a comfortable 5-0 win over Kelburne at Titwood. The goals were spread between Jen Eadie, Ali Howie, Fran Lonergan, Lucy Lanigan and Heather Lang.

Edinburgh University continue a successful defence of their title after beating Watsonians 5-2. Laura Swanson scored twice while the other strikes emanated from Ali Eadie, Hanna McKie and Zara Malseed.

Wildcats retained their interest at the top end of the table with a 2-0 win at GHK, the goals came from Alex Stuart and Lucy MacArthur.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Telkom cruise, USIU hammer Multimedia in hockey league

By BRIAN YONGA


From left: USIU players Veronica Maua, Beatrice Mbugua, Rachel Wangui and Rhoda Kuira celebrate one of Kuira's goals during their Kenya Hockey Union women's Premier League match against Multimedia University at City Park Stadium on September 16, 2017. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Champions Telkom on Saturday got their second leg campaign underway with a 6-0 rout of Vikings in a Kenya Hockey Union women's Premier League match at the City Park Stadium, Nairobi.

A brace each from Kenyan internationals Terry Juma and Audrey Omaido set the league leaders on the path to a comfortable win.

Maureen Okumu and Barbara Simiyu added the other goals as the 19-time champions maintained their 100 percent record and also kept another clean sheet.

Telkom assistant coach Josephine Ataro was left purring after the win and predicted a good season for her charges.

"This was the start we wanted and I think we are in pole position to retain the title. Our ball control and short corner conversion were impressive and we hope to keep the same form in the coming matches," Ataro said.

The win saw Telkom reclaim the top spot from USIU Spartans, who had briefly gone top after their 7-0 win over Multimedia University in the early match at the same venue.

OMAIDO STARS AGAIN

Telkom are on 33 points, two ahead of the Spartans. Omaido's brace saw her take her tally to 19 goals in the race for this season's golden stick.

Telkom, who won the reverse fixture 5-0, went ahead after only two minutes as Juma brilliantly finished off Omaido's short corner. Two minutes later, Omaido raced clear then exchanged passes with fellow striker Jackline Mwangi before beating Whitney Kiprop at her near post.

From then on it was all Telkom as Vikings did little to trouble the champions' defence.

Earlier, Spartans' forward Rhoda Kuira continued her impressive form after scoring four goals against Multimedia.

The Kenyan international scored a hat-trick during her team's 3-0 win over Kenyatta University’s Titans on Wednesday and followed up the impressive display with another match winning performance against the Rongai-based side.

TOP TWO HOPES ALIVE

Veronica Maua hit a brace with Sandra Vodoti also getting her name on the score sheet as the Spartans kept their dream of a top two finish alive.


Sandra Vodoti of USIU in action during their Kenya Hockey Union women's Premier League match against Multimedia University and at City Park Stadium on September 16, 2017. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Spartans captain Beatrice Mbugua called for more discipline as the hunt for the top two positions hots up.

"Multimedia played deep and we had to be patient in attack but once we unlocked them, we were able to get more bodies forward," Mbugua said.

"Our dream of playing in the Africa Club Championship is well on course and we are focused on ensuring we succeed."


Beatrice Mbugua of USIU controls the ball during their Kenya Hockey Union women's Premier League match against Multimedia University and at City Park Stadium on September 16, 2017. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Multimedia managed to keep the Spartans at bay for only 10 minutes before their defence was breached.

Mbugua won the ball in defence before feeding Kuira who squared to Maua to finish past Faith Morei in the Multimedia goal.

The second goal came three minutes into the third quarter, when Maua returned the favour after teeing up Kuira who lobbed the ball past Morei to give her side a 2-0 lead. The score remained the same until the fourth quarter when the floodgates opened.


Multimedia University's Faith Cheptoo (left) vies for the ball with Rachel Wangui of USIU during their Kenya Hockey Union women's Premier League match at City Park Stadium on September 16, 2017. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP


Multimedia University's Rachel Nduta (left) and Beatrice Mbugua of USIU tussle for the ball during their Kenya Hockey Union women's Premier League match at City Park Stadium on September 16, 2017. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP


From left: USIU players Veronica Maua, Beatrice Mbugua, Rachel Wangui and Rhoda Kuira celebrate one of Kuira's goals during their Kenya Hockey Union women's Premier League match against Multimedia University at City Park Stadium on September 16, 2017. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU |NATION MEDIA GROUP

WAZALENDO WIN

Kuira made it 3-0 in the 48th minute after finishing off Vodoti's short corner before adding two more in the 53rd and 56th minutes.

In the men's National League, Wazalendo Youth came from behind to beat Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology 2-1 at the same venue. Joseph Muia scored a brace for Wazalendo, cancelling out Kenneth Kimani's opener.

Daily Nation



Multimedia students taught hockey lesson: Kuira leads USIU to 7-0 victory in league encounter

Wazalendo Youth rally from behind to upset JKUAT in men’s second tier match.

By Elizabeth Mburug


Vickings vs Telkom Telkom Audrey Omaido)l) and Vickings Winnie Ivayo(r) chase the ball When Vickings played Telkom at City Park Nairobi. ON 16/09/2017 (Jenipher Wachie)

Rhoda Kuira was on fire from the opening whistle as United States International University of Africa (USIU-A) Spartans drubbed Multimedia University 7-0 in a Kenya Hockey Union women’s League at City Park Stadium yesterday.

Kuira’s perfect form stood out as she hit the target four times to earn her side their tenth victory of the season.

The victory earned USIU-A, who are eying a top two finish this season, their second spot on the log behind champions Telkom.

Beatrice Mbugua, the team captain, said they were improving with every match.

“We set out for a top-two finish at the beginning of the season. We are well within achieving our target and that motivates us a lot,” said Mbugua.

Veronica Maua dribbled past Multimedia defence to send the ball home past goalkeeper Faith Movei and put her side on the lead ten minutes into play.

That was the only goal of the first quarter as Multimedia tightened their defence despite being pinned in their own half.

USIU-A dominated the second quarter, but failed to break-through their opponents’ sturdy defence. Multimedia trio of Linda Nelima, Joan Chepkurui and Novah Wanjiku guarded their backline and thwarted the Spartans’ efforts to score their second goal. At half time, USIU-A held a narrow 1-0 lead against Multimedia who seemed to have control over their territory.

In another match Telkom beat Vikings 6-0.

The Standard Online



No. 16 Wake Forest's overtime winner downs third-ranked Syracuse

Wake Forest Athletics


Nicola Pluta scored the game-winner less than two minutes into overtime on Saturday afternoon.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The No. 16 Wake Forest field hockey team rallied from a one-goal deficit in the second half to defeat No. 3 Syracuse 2-1 in overtime on Saturday afternoon.

The Deacs (4-3, 2-0 ACC) conceded an early second half goal to fall behind 1-0 but quickly responded with a goal of their own to tie the game at a goal apiece. After forcing overtime with strong defense late in the second half, Nicola Pluta ended the game just two minutes into the extra period with her second goal of the season.

The win is the team's second in the last three contests over a top-five opponent. Last Friday, the Deacs defeated No. 4 North Carolina 3-1.

Jule Grashoff added her team-leading sixth goal of the season to tie the game midway through the second half. Goalkeeper Isla Bint continued her strong play, allowing just one goal for the third straight game, despite facing 11 Syracuse shots.

The first half was a defensive battle, as both sides produced just two shot attempts. Bint delivered a save on the only shot on goal she faced in the first 35 minutes.

The Orange (7-1, 1-1 ACC) struck first in the second half, scoring in the 49th minute on Elaine Carey's first goal of the season. Wake Forest quickly responded with Grashoff's sixth goal of the season. The goal was the first that Syracuse had allowed all season. Although the Orange engineered a flurry of shots late in the second half, the Deacs held steady and forced the game into overtime.

In the team's first OT game of the season, Pluta converted in just the second minute to give the Deacs the victory and their third consecutive win overall.

For the game, the Deacs generated five shot attempts compared to Syracuse's 11. However, the Orange only had a 5-4 advantage in shots on goal. Syracuse also had a 5-2 edge in penalty corners, but were unable to convert one into a goal.

Up next, the Deacs will remain on the road, as they travel to No. 11 Louisville to take on the Cardinals Friday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. ET.

NCAA



Ashley Hoffman scores overtime game-winner to give North Carolina top 10 win over BC

UNC Athletics


UNC's Ashley Hoffman (13) scored the overtime goal to edge the Tar Heels over Boston College.

DURHAM, N.C. – Junior Ashley Hoffman's overtime goal gave seventh-ranked North Carolina field hockey a 2-1 win over No. 10 Boston College Saturday afternoon at Duke's Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium. The Tar Heels improved to 5-2 overall and 1-1 in the Atlantic Coast Conference with a victory in their first overtime contest of the season. BC fell to 5-2 (0-2 ACC).

Saturday's ACC matchup was the first "home" game of the season for UNC, which is playing at Duke's field this season while its own on-campus facility is under construction. The Tar Heels practice in Durham twice a week and scrimmaged Duke during the preseason, but Saturday marked the first time they'd hosted another opponent at Williams Field.
 
"We're thrilled to come away with a win in the first overtime game of the season, and I'm proud of our team," UNC coach Karen Shelton said. "Credit to Boston College – in the first half I thought we could have scored one or two more to make the game not quite so close, but they're a scrappy, hard-working team and they made it close."

UNC led through most of the game after freshman Eva Smolenaars scored the first goal of her Carolina career just 3:03 into the contest. She carried the ball into the circle, "and then I thought to myself, 'Just shoot it,' and I did and it went through the legs of the keeper," Smolenaars said. "I was very happy because I knew my parents were watching back home in the Netherlands. Knowing they were watching and my grandparents were watching was a great feeling."
 
Her unassisted goal put UNC up 1-0. The Tar Heels were unable to extend the lead, despite outshooting the Eagles 11-1 in the first half. BC junior Alyssa Olenick played a major role in that, with two defensive saves before halftime.

With 9:10 remaining in regulation, Eagles midfielder Ymke Rose Gote tied it up for her team with her first goal of the fall.  Both teams had opportunities down the stretch, but the score remained knotted at 1-1 as time ran out in regulation
 
"Credit to our kids for not losing composure," Shelton said. "I thought at times we looked a little unorganized, fatigued and careless with the ball, but we were able to hang on and get to overtime."

Boston College had played – and won – two double-overtime games this fall, but the seven-on-seven extra period was a first for this year's Tar Heels, who played like they'd been here before. "I thought we handled overtime well," said Shelton, whose team outshot BC 6-0 in the extra period.
 
That sixth shot came 8:25 into overtime, on the Tar Heels' third penalty corner of the period. UNC went with a give-and-go from junior Eva van't Hoog to Hoffman, who leads the team in goals. "In overtime there aren't as many people back there and if you can eliminate one you're usually going to have somebody free," Shelton said. "Eva has the ability to eliminate and then she found Ashley wide open in front of the goal."
 
"Eva could have taken the shot but she gave me a perfect pass and made my job easy," Hoffman said. "All I had to do was knock it in."

UNC is back in action on Sunday, hosting No. 13 James Madison at 3 p.m. ET.

NCAA

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