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All the news for Sunday 27 June 2021

2020-21 FIH Pro League (M) - 27 June

Perth Hockey Stadium
All times GMT +8

26 Jun 2021     AUS v NZL (RR)   7 -3
27 Jun 2021     AUS v NZL (RR)   2 - 0

Live streaming and full game replay on the Watch Hockey App (May be Geo blocked if there is TV coverage)

Pool Standings

FIH Match Centre

2020-21 FIH Pro League (W) - 27 June
Perth Hockey Stadium
All times GMT +8

26 Jun 2021     AUS v NZL (RR)   2 - 2 ( SO 0 - 2)
27 Jun 2021     AUS v NZL (RR)   3 -1

Live streaming and full game replay on the Watch Hockey App (May be Geo blocked if there is TV coverage)

Pool Standings

USA v NED (26.01.2020) worth double points because of the match cancelled on 24.01.2020
AUS v GBR (01.02.2020) worth double points because of the match cancelled on 02.02.2020

FIH Match Centre

Black Sticks men show improvement but suffer same old result against Australia


New Zealand’s Blair Tarrant controls the ball against Tom Wickham of the Kookaburras. Paul Kane/Getty Images

The Black Sticks will head into the Olympics on the back of six-straight defeats to Australia after going down again in Perth.

New Zealand produced a much-improved display following Saturday's 7-3 drubbing in the first FIH Pro League test.

But they couldn't breach the Australian defence as the Kookaburras won 2-0 to back up their 4-0 whitewash in the recent trans-Tasman series in Palmerston North.

Only the lightning-quick reflexes of Kookaburras goalkeeper Andrew Charter prevented New Zealand from taking an early lead as Hugo Inglis' shot was deflected from the goalmouth.

But by the end of the opening quarter it was Australia up 1-0 after Tom Wickham capitalised on a wayward pass to set up Nathan Ephraums.

The Black Sticks enjoyed a healthy period of possession before halftime but, while Nick Wilson went close, they couldn't find the equaliser.

They thought they had squared it up midway through the third quarter. However, the video referral showed Sam Lane's tip-in had come off the back of the stick, ruling out the goal.

And that was the closest the Black Sticks got.

Moments later Australia made them pay as Blake Govers was on the spot to put away the scraps after Leon Hayward made back-to-back saves, but couldn't make a third.

Both teams now set their sights on Tokyo, where New Zealand open their Olympic campaign against India on July 24 ahead of another meeting with Australia later in the group stage.

Stuff

Crowds banned from today’s FIH Pro League matches in Perth

The Western Australia Government has just advised no crowds will be permitted at today’s FIH Pro League matches between Australia and New Zealand as a result of COVID-19 directives brought in from 12pm AWST in WA.

The matches at Perth Hockey Stadium will still go ahead as scheduled.

While this is incredibly disappointing and late notice, Hockey Australia will follow emerging government advice with the health and safety of the community the number one priority.

Full refunds will be issued via Ticketek for those affected for today’s FIH Pro League fixtures.

Hockey Australia sincerely apologises for the inconvenience caused as a result of this but remain committed to following government guidelines.

Today’s FIH Pro League fixtures will still be played in front of a closed stadium, with broadcast via Fox Sports and Kayo.

Hockey Australia thanks everyone for their understanding in this emerging and rapidly-changing environment.

Hockey Australia media release

Vantage Black Sticks women take shootout win after 2-2 draw with Hockeyroos



Another riveting chapter in the Hockeyroos’ and Vantage Black Sticks rivalry has been written with a shootout required after their FIH Pro League match in Perth finished 2-2.

The Hockeyroos made an explosive start, finding themselves 2-0 up inside five minutes before the Black Sticks clawed their way back to draw level.

The match went to a shootout where Black Sticks goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon proved the hero, keeping out all four of Australia’s penalty attempts.  

With their pressure high from the outset, the Hockeyroos meant business and were rewarded with a two-goal advantage in quick time.

Savannah Fitzpatrick did superbly to cause a turnover inside the Hockeyroos’ attacking 25 metre area, driving intently into the circle and squaring the ball up for a diving Rosie Malone to get the crucial touch.

A minute later Emily Chalker struck from close range to stun the Black Sticks.

New Zealand captain Stacey Michelson took it upon herself to get her side back in it as she produced a magnificent individual effort to rifle a tomahawk past Rachael Lynch in the Hockeyroos goal.

The Hockeyroos’ high press was proving effective as they put pressure on the New Zealand defence but they could not capitalise.

Lynch made a clutch save three minutes before half time to keep the Hockeyroos in front at the break.

But in the 36th minute the Black Sticks were level courtesy of a lightning counter attack, Hope Ralph deflecting the ball home at the far post.

Jocelyn Bartram, who replaced Lynch at half time, produced a stellar save to deny Olivia Merry in the shadows of three quarter time to set up an enthralling final 15 minutes.

Young Hockeyroos defender Karri Somerville went just wide with a drag flick in the final minute that would have proved the winner, the scores remaining deadlocked to send the game to a shootout.

Neither side could convert from their first three attempts, before Samantha Charlton and Julia King both stepped up to score their penalties and earn the Black Sticks the bonus point.

The teams will return for Match 2 tomorrow in the final day of the COVID disrupted 2020 FIH Pro League.

Vantage Black Sticks 2, Stacey Michelson, Hope Ralph

Hockeyroos 2, Rosie Malone, Emily Chalker



The Vantage Black Sticks men worked hard and had their share of good moments before being outgunned 7-3 by world No 2 Australia in their Pro League clash in Perth.

It maintained the Kookaburras strong record against the Black Sticks in the last month, following their 4-0 Trans-Tasman series victory in New Zealand.

The Vantage Black Sticks, ranked eighth in the men’s game, had strong periods of play before falling away in the final quarter when Australia rattled in their last two goals.

The Vantage Black Sticks were right in the contest when they got within a goal, at 3-2 early in the third quarter.

But as the Kookaburras turned on the heat, the defence began to look ragged and at times were barely hanging on as wave after wave of Australian attacks bore down on the goal.

The Black Sticks began impressively, gaining plenty of traction down the right flank in particular, with captain Blair Tarrant and Kane Russell keep the Australian defence on its toes.

Vantage Black Sticks goalkeeper Leon Hayward, had a fine, brave game, frequently pulling off strong saves.

The Kookaburras got their nose in front with the only goal of the first quarter through Flynn Ogilvie, cleverly flicking a left wing cross past Hayward.

Trent Mitton doubled the lead from close range before his home crowd and when Jeremy Hayward added the third after 19 minutes, punching a low shot past his brother in the Black Sticks goal, the signs were ominous.

But to their credit the Black Sticks bounced back impressively. South Canterbury’s Sam Lane, the pick of the Black Sticks attackers got his 21st international goal, beating the goalkeeper on his right side seven minutes before halftime.

When Steve Jenness tapped in his 92nd goal for the Vantage Black Sticks in his 253rd international it shook the Aussies.

But a fierce drive from Blake Govers and a further goal from Hayward enabled the Kookaburras to recover their three-goal advantage.

Manawatu’s Nick Wilson nudged the ball into the Australian goal shortly before three-quarter time before the final period belonged to Australia.

“It was really good fun, playing in front of a crowd,” Black Sticks captain Blair Tarrant, one of his team’s best performers, said. “The scoreboard doesn’t look great but it’s cool to be here playing hockey.”

The teams meet again tomorrow before heading to the Olympics in Tokyo, where they will play each other again, being grouped together in Pool A of the competition.

Kookaburras 7: Jeremy Hayward 2, Trent Mitton, Blake Govers, Flynn Ogilvie, Jake Whetton, Tim Brand.

Black Sticks 3: Sam Lane, Stephen Jenness, Nick Wilson.

Official Blacksticks site

New Zealand and Australia make FIH Hockey Pro League return after COVID-19 break

By Michael Houston


New Zealand won a shootout to take an extra point against Australia ©Getty Images

New Zealand's women won a thrilling shootout against Australia as the two nations made their long-awaited International Hockey Federation (FIH) Hockey Pro League return following a lengthy hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Australia started tremendously after Rose Malone and Emily Chalker scored in the first five minutes of the match at Perth Hockey Stadium.

New Zealand found their way back in through a Stacey Michelsen goal, who dribbled through the defence before scoring with a reverse stick shot.

The equaliser was scored in the third quarter by Hope Ralph, who latched onto a rebound shot from Rose Keddell.

After a goalless fourth quarter, the match went to a shootout, which showed the quality of both goalkeepers.

Australian Rachael Lynch and New Zealand's Grace O'Hanlon both saved their first three shots, before the latter stopped a fourth.

Goals from Samantha Charlton and Julia King gave New Zealand the win and a bonus point.


Australia won the men's match against New Zealand 7-3 ©Getty Images

In the two nations' first Hockey Pro League match since last March, Australia were the clear winners with Jeremy Hayward scoring twice on their way to a 7-3 win in the men's contest.

In the first 20 minutes, Flynn Ogilvie, Trent Mitton and Hayward all got on the scoresheet for Australia Sam Lane pulled one back for the visitors.

Stephen Jenness looked to have the Black Sticks back in the game when he scored after the break to bring it back to 3-2, but Blake Govers and Hayward extended the home team's lead.

Nick Wilson picked off a penalty corner to make it 5-3, before Jake Whetton and Tim Brand put the game beyond doubt to make it a convincing win for Australia.

The two sides are due to clash again tomorrow in the men's and women's leagues, the last matches of a COVID-affected Hockey Pro League season.

Inside the Games

Black Sticks men hammered again by Kookaburras as stiff Olympic challenge looms


Flynn Ogilvie celebrates one of Australia’s seven goals in the rout against the Black Sticks men. Paul Kane/Getty Images

World No 1 Australia have given the Black Sticks men yet more to stew over ahead of the Olympics, after handing out another hiding on Saturday.

Having been swept 4-0 in the recent trans-Tasman series in Palmerston North, New Zealand, ranked No 8 in the world, suffered a 7-3 drubbing in the first of two FIH Pro League tests in Perth over the weekend.

The two sides are in the same six-team pool at the Tokyo Games, starting next month, but the Black Sticks will need something outrageous to overturn what is now a combined 22-7 scoreline across the sides’ last five clashes.


Shea McAleese gets a pass away during the clash in Perth on Saturday. Paul Kane/Getty Images

Their latest matchup saw the Kookaburras put on a scoring exhibition at Perth Hockey Stadium, with a double from Jeremy Hayward plus goals from Flynn Ogilvie, Trent Mitton, Blake Govers, Tim Brand and Jake Whetton seeing the home side run away with victory in front of a parochial crowd.

With both sides largely fielding their teams that will line up for the Olympics, the hosts were made to work in their first international on Australian soil since 7 March last year, as the Black Sticks had their opportunities.

But the Kookaburras had all the answers when it counted.

After a couple of unsuccessful penalty corner attempts, the Kiwis conceded when Dylan Martin sent a purposeful long ball into the circle where Ogilvie got the deftest of touches to guide the ball into the backboard.

Mitton doubled the advantage six minutes later. Lachlan Sharp did well on the base line, the ball spilling out to Mitton who had enough power behind his shot to get it past Leon Hayward.

Then a superbly executed penalty corner finished off by a Jeremy Hayward drag flick made it 3-0 in the 20th minute.

To their credit, the Black Sticks fought back, with Sam Lane unable to be denied on a second opportunity following a penalty corner battery, making it 3-1 at halftime.

Four minutes into the second stanza, the visitors then cut the deficit to one when Stephen Jenness positioned himself perfectly at the back post to pounce on a swift counter.

But Govers unleashed an unstoppable rocket into the roof of the net from a trademark penalty corner, before Brand squared a ball to Matt Dawson in the circle who laid it off to Hayward to add a fifth.

New Zealand’s Nick Wilson made it 5-3 when he got the final touch in a goalmouth scramble, but the goal spurred the Kookaburras into another gear as Whetton snuck a shot between Leon Hayward’s legs, then with four minutes left Brand capped off the attacking onslaught with the Aussies’ seventh.

Meanwhile, in the women’s match, New Zealand fought back from a two-goal deficit after just five minutes to draw 2-2, before grabbing the bonus point in the shooutout.

The Hockeyroos got off to a flying start as Rose Malone and Emily Chalker scored in the first five minutes, but NZ played their way back.


Stacey Michelsen celebrates a goal in the Black Sticks women’s clash against the Hockeyroos. Paul Kane/Getty Images

They were led by the ever-dependable Stacey Michelsen, who scored a fine goal after dribbling through the defence to fire home a reverse stick shot.

The equaliser was scored in the third quarter by Hope Ralph, who latched onto a rebound shot from Rose Keddell.

Black Sticks goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon was the star of the shootout as she saved four attempts, with goals from Samantha Charlton and Julia King giving the visitors the bonus point.

“Obviously we didn't get off to the start we wanted, but we turned it around and brought great energy to the game,” Michelsen said.

Both the men and women will square off again on Sunday in the teams’ final matches before Tokyo.

Stuff

Men's Indoor Pan Am Cup 2021 - 27 June

Spring City, Philadelphia (USA)
All times GMT - 4

25 Jun 202       CAN v ARG (RR)   3 - 6
25 Jun 2021     ARG v USA (RR)   4 - 3
25 Jun 2021     USA v CAN (RR)   6 - 1

26 Jun 2021     USA v ARG (RR)   1 - 4
26 Jun 2021     ARG v CAN (RR)   1 - 2
26 Jun 2021     CAN v USA (RR)   1 - 5

27 Jun 2021 13:30     1st RR v 2nd RR (Final)  

Pool standings

FIH Match Centre

Women's Indoor Pan Am Cup 2021 - 27 June
Spring City, Philadelphia (USA)
All times GMT - 4

25 Jun 2021     CAN v URU (RR)   1 -1
25 Jun 2021     GUY v USA (RR)   2 - 20
25 Jun 2021     ARG v URU (RR)   2 - 2
25 Jun 2021     CAN v USA (RR)   4 - 5
25 Jun 2021     GUY v ARG (RR)    0 - 14

26 Jun 2021     USA v URU (RR)   2 - 1
26 Jun 2020     CAN v GUY (RR)   13 - 0
26 Jun 2021     USA v ARG (RR)   3 - 3
26 Jun 2021     URU v GUY (RR)   7 - 1
26 Jun 2021     ARG v CAN (RR)   1 - 2

27 Jun 2021 12:00     3rd RR v 4th RR (3rd-4th Place)  
27 Jun 2021 15:00     1st RR v 2nd RR (Final)  

Pool standings

FIH Match Centre

2021 Indoor Pan American Cup (Men) - Day 2

Spring City, PA, USA


USA v ARG(Photo: Mark Palczewski)

USA 1 - ARG 4

On the second day of the 2021 Indoor Pan American Cup, the first match of the men's pool was between the United States (WR 47) and Argentina (WR 21), in which the South Americans took a new 4-1 victory.

During the first quarter, Argentina was the leading team, but despite their efforts, they only received a green card, a yellow card and a penalty corner without the possibility of opening the scoring.

In the second quarter, the cards went to the North American team: yellow for Aki Kaepeller (# 29) in the 12 minute and green for captain Pat Harris (# 10) a minute later. Counting on this numerical advantage of players, Argentina got the first goal from a corner thanks to Alfredo Sosa (# 21). The United States tried to recover by getting two chances on the set play, but could not convert.

After halftime, Argentina got new penalty corners. In this way, Maximiliano Valdés (# 13) got the second goal at 27 minutes.

The last quarter brought the discount for North Americans; their captain scored from a penalty corner in the 32nd minute. But the relief was quelled three minutes later by Nehuen Ayala Gallo (# 8) who made the third goal for Argentina. On closing, Facundo Navarro (# 9) made it 4-1 with which he would close the board after the last penalty corner scored by the United States.

In this way, Argentina once again defeats the United States in the competition, adding another 3 points, securing a place in the final and waiting for a rival.

ARG 1 - CAN 2

After getting a place in the final, the Argentine team faced Canada in the last match of the Indoor Cup in the men's pool.

The match began with Argentina attacking in an orderly manner, smoothly and trying to maintain possession of the ball. Meanwhile, his Canadian pair was focused on defense and on managing to retain the rival attack. They both kept their goals at zero.

In the second half, the Argentines began to play a little firmer and refined their aim to open the scoring with a great goal from Agustín Ceballos (# 7). Despite receiving a yellow card at the beginning (Alfredo Sosa # 7)), they held the lead until the end, when Canada got their first green card (Lyle Fernandes # 7).

Three minutes after the start of the third quarter the North American team would draw, which through Fernandes (# 7) would draw the score 1 to 1. The game was even and Canada seemed to have the advantage. Argentina would miss another player with the second yellow (Juan Eleicegui # 5).

As soon as the last half started, the player Gurjot Singh (# 28 Canada) would be suspended for one minute. The Argentine team could not sustain the defense and the balanced attack of their rival caused them to retreat too much. Thus the Canadians turned the score with a goal from Gurtej Dhaliwal (# 17), who took advantage of an excellent counter-attack thus sentencing the 2 to 1 in his favor.

With this victory, Canada forces a tiebreaker with the United States to see which team will join Argentina in the final.

CAN 1 - USA 5

At the end of the second day of the Indoor Pan American Cup, Canada and the United States defined the second finalist. The locals hit at the right moments of the match and took it away with a resounding 5 to 1, so they will be Argentina's rivals in the final match of the tournament.

The first to creat a clear goal situation was the Canadian team with a penalty stroke at 6 ', but goalkeeper Jonathan Klages managed to stop it. With a minute left in the first quarter, Aki Kaeppeler managed to convert through the penalty corner and put the United States ahead.

At 15 'Canada achieved the tie through Gurtej Dhaliwal. Two minutes later, Jagpreet Singh saw the green card and just a minute later, the American team captain, Pat Harris, put his team ahead again.

Already in the third quarter, Jagpreet Singh received a yellow card for a severe infraction at 23 ’. Almost immediately, again through the penalty corner, Kaeppeler scored for the United States and turn to a 3 -1. With time already up, the locals scored again from the set play, this time at the hands of JaJa Kentwell.

In the last 10 minutes of the match, the host team of the tournament knew how to handle the advantage and play with the desperation of its rival. With three minutes to go, Canadian Lyle Fernandes saw the yellow card and the United States took advantage of the moment with a new effective penalty corner, as Harris added his second goal in the game and closed the scoring in a resounding 5 to 1. Thus, the American team will define the tournament together with Argentina at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Pan American Hockey Federation media release

2021 Indoor Pan American Cup (Women) - Day 2

Spring City, PA, USA


USA v URU(Photo: Mark Palczewski)

USA 2 - URU 1

The second day of the 2021 Indoor Pan American Cup began with the women's match between the United States (WR 12) and Uruguay (WR 22), which added a new victory for the North American team that beat the Uruguayans 2-1.

The game started really challenge for both teams, entering the area and goal shots . Uruguay had control of the ball by the end of the first quarter, although the United States found ways to counter-attack.

From the beginning of the second quarter, Uruguay showed a solid defense, emerging gracefully from the insistent attacks by the North Americans. The only play of the first half of the game featured the Uruguayan women, although they did not manage to gain an advantage.

The third quarter had an interruption due to a Uruguayan player receiving a blow on the face. Once the game was resumed, the United States was quick to show dominance and got three set plays without being able to open the score.

It was in the last quarter where the goals show up. Hope Rose (# 6) was responsible for scoring the first North American goal via penalty corner in the 32nd minute. Immediately after , Ashley Sessa (# 19) converted the second. In an effort not to leave without a fight, De María (# 6) managed to convert the first for Uruguay through a penalty stroke.

With this result, the United States secured another 3 points, partially retaining the top. Uruguay will seek to score points in their next match against Guyana (WR 31)

CAN 13 - GUY 0

The second match of the women's pool in the 2021 Indoor Pan American Cup was with Canada (WR 17) and Guyana (WR 31), in which the North American team stood out in a bulky 13-0 goal difference over their South American pair.

The match took a few minutes for the teams to settle into their game. Canada got corners, and it was in the second that Rebecca Calvalho (# 3) scored via a flick straight to the center of the goal prior to halftime.

The second quarter marked a clear dominance of Canada. Captain Alison Lee (# 5) showed off throwing the ball over the rival goalkeeper, converting the second for her team. A minute later, through a corner, Madison Thompson (# 9) widened the difference. The halftime was preceded by another two goals from the Canadian captain, one from a corner and the other from a penalty stroke.

With a partial score of 5-0, Canada resumed the game with two set plays, of which Kathleen Leahy (# 10) capitalized the second. Nicole Poulakis (# 2) opened her personal account internationally by scoring a play goal in the 22nd. Minutes came in which the game was stuck, and it was Leahy who scored again at 27 'and at 30'.

In the last quarter, the players from Guyana showed a new attitude, despite having one less player for a few minutes. Condition that Carvalho knew how to take advantage of for Canada, adding a goal to his team. Guyana's reaction got the penalty corner, which did not serve for the discount. Despite their efforts, Thompson, Leahy and Angela Lancaster (# 18) took it upon themselves to seal the resounding victory for Canada.

Thus, Canada adds 3 points in the table and Guyana will seek to score points against Uruguay.

USA 3 - ARG 3

On the second day of competition, the Argentine team, who had won 14-0 against Guyana, faced their American counterpart, current Champion of the tournament.

The game started very benefiting the United States , which opened the scoring four minutes into the game, with a slash from # 5 Campbell from a penalty corner. In that same play, Carina Guzman (Argentina) was suspended with a green card. At the end of the first half, Coccaro (Argentina) and Yeager (USA) would also be sanctioned with a one-minute suspension.

In the second half, the North American team continued playing a little better and managed to stretch the lead with a goal from Rose Hope (# 6) five minutes after the game resumed. However, Argentina never stopped attacking and trying to narrow the gap on the scoreboard. Although they played with one less player, with a yellow card to Juliana Rios Ferreyra (# 7), they managed to go to half time 2 to 1. Julia Gomes Fantasia (# 16) sealed the second half with a goal from a penalty corner.

As soon as the third half began, Argentina would again be at a numerical disadvantage, since Luciana Agudo (# 10) would have a yellow card for rough play. The United States manages to enlarge the score 3 to 1, through a great team play that ended Elizabeth Yeager (# 3). Then Rose Hope (# 6) would get a yellow card and before the possibility of continuing to brudge the result, Argentina took possession of the ball and was very close to scoring, prevented by the great performance of rival goalkeeper Samantha Carlino.

In the last quarter, the Argentine team returned to be the protagonist and immediately took full possession of the ball, thus obtaining the 3 to 2 with a goal María Nimo (# 14). Already in the last minutes of the match, and outnumbered after the yellow card to Julia Gomes Fantasia (# 16), Argentina would manage to tie the game in the last penalty corner. Luciana Agudo (# 10) sealed the final tie 3 to 3 against the last Pan American Indoor champion.

URU 7 - GUY 1

Although the first goal of the match was by Uruguay at 3 'thanks to the action of Constanza Barrandeguy and the second at 6' (Camila Piazza), Guyana's defense improved significantly compared to yesterday's match and he kept his goal undefeated part of the first quarter and all of the second.

The Guyanese closed the gap at 24 'with a goal from Marzana Fiedtkou. Although the cimarronas  squandered many chances in the rival area, at 27 'they went back on the scoreboard through Camila de María and at 29' Barrandeguy found the net again.

Finally, in the fourth quarter of the match, the goals were hard to get and they reached 36 'and 38' with the actions of the match's top scorer -Barrandeguy- and María Correa. To close, Piazza converted the final goal seconds before time run off, sentencing the 7-1.

ARG 1 - CAN 2

In the second game of the day for Argentina they faced Canada for a place in the final.

Argentina during the first two quarters put pressure on the opponent field, having greater dominance of the ball, during the third quarter the pressure from Argentina continued, Canada had chances to take advantage. During the game they had 4 penalty corners, while Argentina had only one chance.

The game was defined in the final minutes, beating a place in the final, with a goal at the beginning of the first quarter for Canada scored by Alison Lee (# 5) through a penalty stroke. Minutes later, a penalty stroke for Argentina converted by Gomez Julia (# 16), put the tie, and during the last minute of play Alison Lee (# 5) gave the victory to Canada.

Argentina will play for 3rd place against Uruguay, and Canada will face the USA for 1st place.

Pan American Hockey Federation media release

US Men & Women Secure Spots in IPAC Final


Image Taken by Mark Palczewski

SPRING CITY, Pa. – On the second day of the 2021 Indoor Pan American Cups (IPAC) at The Training Center in Spring City, Pa. both the No. 12 U.S. Women’s National Indoor Team and No. 42 U.S. Men’s National Indoor Team secured their spots in the final. The women will take on No. 15 Canada, while the men will go up against No. 20 Argentina.

Indoor USWNT 2 - 1 Uruguay

The No. 12 Indoor U.S. Women’s National Indoor Team put a lot of pressure on No. 21 Uruguay in the opening quarter but were unable to find the back of the goal. A close chance came four minutes in when a shot by Beth Yeager (Greenwich, Conn.) went just wide. Uruguay almost capitalized in the final minute, but USA goalkeeper Sam Carlino (Lawrence Township, N.J.) came out to make the stop.

The first four minutes of the second frame started the same way with Uruguay remaining disciplined on defense limiting USA’s offense. In the 16th minute, Uruguay earned the first penalty corner of the game, but it was defended well by USA. Carlino was forced to make a stop a minute later, as the half-finished deadlocked.

Both sides produced two close chances in the third frame, just a minute apart. Uruguay’s attempt came first when Constanza Barrandeguy’s shot was saved by Carlino. Down at the other end, a shot by Hope Rose (Dauphin, Pa.) rocked the outside of the goal. USA remained on the attack and two minutes later, Rose got a low angle shot off, followed up on the rebound and put it on a Uruguay foot for a USA penalty corner. Rose’s shot was saved by Uruguay goalkeeper Maria Bate. USA kept threatening and earned another two penalty corners in the quarter but were unable to convert.

Scoreless to start the fourth, USA’s persistent attack paid off one minute in when Rose scored off a penalty corner. Thirty seconds later, Ashley Sessa (Schwenksville, Pa.) doubled their lead on a reverse spin goal. A determined Uruguay got on the front foot and forced a penalty corner. The shot was saved off the line by the body of a USA defender earning Uruguay a penalty stroke, that Camila de Maria scored. Within the final five minutes to go, Carlino came up with a critical save to keep Uruguay out and secure the 2-1 win for USA.

Indoor USMNT 1 - 4 Argentina

Like yesterday’s meeting, the first five minutes of the match between No. 42 U.S. Men’s National Indoor Team and No. 20 Argentina was static, before chances started to come. Los Leones had a fast break that was stopped by USA goalkeeper Jonathan Klages (Berlin, Germany). A deep intercept for Los Leones resulted in another shot that was saved off the shoulder of Klages. At the 10-minute mark, another fast break resulted in a shot saved by Klages as Argentina earned a penalty corner. On the chance, Christian DeAngelis (Doylestown, Pa.) saved it in the air off the goal line to keep it scoreless.

To open the second, Argentina started with a succession of shots. A minute in, Aki Kaeppeler (Stuttgart, Germany) earned a 3-minute yellow card giving Los Leones an extra player. They used that to their advantage when Alredo Sosa scored off a penalty corner. Once back at full strength, USA pressed forward. In the 16th minute, Pat Harris (Moorpark, Calif.) intercepted it and drove down the left board, entered the circle and his reverse flick shot went high and wide. The next two minutes, USA had a flurry of chances. A shot by Vincent Heller (Stuttgart, Germany) was followed up with one by Kaeppeler, which earned USA a penalty corner. Kaeppeler drag was saved by Argentina goalkeeper Bruno Mayo, but USA kept pressuring. The half closed with Klages coming up with a save to keep the game at 0-1 to Argentina.

USA started the third with three quick shots. A close chance came for the red, white and blue in the 26th minute after Kaeppeler stepped hard which led to an inside pass to Ajai Dhadwal (Agoura Hills, Calif.) who sent it through to JaJa Kentwell (Spring City, Pa.). Kentwell passed it over to Heller whose shot was blocked by an Argentina defender. Maximiliano Valdes converted off a penalty corner in the 27th minute to give Los Leones an 0-2 lead. USA continued to push forward, and Heller had another good chance, but it was saved by Mayo.

Two minutes into the fourth quarter, Harris scored off a penalty corner to bring USA within one. Play in the last 8 minutes turned physical as USA was issued two cards. Argentina extended their lead off a penalty corner goal from Juan Eleicegui in the 36th minute and then immediately following a 2-minute yellow card, they added another through Facundo Navarro. Trailing 1-4, USA didn’t let up on the pressure and earned a penalty corner with 22 seconds to go but couldn’t find an outcome.

Indoor USWNT 3 - 3 Argentina

The match started fast for No. 12 Indoor USWNT against No. 15 Argentina, when Beth Yeager (Greenwich, Conn.) was fouled hard just outside the circle. Upgraded to a penalty corner, Ali Campbell (Gilbertsville, Pa.) scored on a straight drag to put USA up, 1-0. Off the restart, Argentina countered to earn a penalty corner of their own but couldn’t find a result. Under a minute to go USA goalkeeper Sam Carlino (Lawrence Township, N.J.) came up with a big save that went off her shoulder and Las Leonas jumped on the rebound, but their shot went over the baseline.

USA kept up the pressure and in the 15th minute added to their lead after a shot from Ashley Sessa (Schwenksville, Pa.) went off Zuk and Hope Rose (Dauphin, Pa.) put away the rebound. Chances were few between but with 16 seconds to go before the half, Argentina earned a penalty corner and cut the goal margin through a Julia Gomes goal.

Three minutes into the third, Argentina was on the hunt as they got a fast break chance, but it was shut down by double team from Campbell and Yeager. A minute later, Yeager scored following a right side drive into the circle that she sent to the far corner. Sessa nearly added her name to the score sheet in the 27th minute after great eliminations skills ended in a shot, but Argentina used the chance to counter. Down the other way, Carlino came up with back-to-back saves as the quarter break ended at 3-1.

Argentina continued to pressure and five minutes into the fourth got a goal through Maria Nimo to bring it within one. Time was ticking down and with 20 seconds to go Carlino made a save, USA got on the rebound as Rayne Wright (Bethlehem, Pa.) took it into their defensive corner to kill the clock, but Argentina earned a penalty corner. With time nearly expired, Luciana Agudo scored for Las Leonas tie the match, 3-3.

Indoor USMNT 5 - 1 Canada

The No. 42 Indoor USMNT needed to win or tie their game against No. 15 Canada to secure their place in the final.

At the 5-minute mark, Canada was awarded a penalty stroke for a hard foul in the circle. Jonathan Klages (Berlin, Germany) came up big, stopping Micah Teixeira’s attempt. A minute later, USA earned a penalty corner after Aki Kaeppeler (Stuttgart, Germany) sent a long ball into the circle that went off a Canada foot. A few more chances came for the red, white and blue and in the 9th minute JaJa Kentwell (Spring City, Pa.) earned USA another penalty corner. Kaeppeler buried it into the left corner to give USA a 1-0 lead.

In the 15th minute, Canada evened the score off a goal by Gurtej Dhaliwal. Canada remained on the front foot after getting three consecutive penalty corners in a row. On the third attempt, they took too long to execute so the official called it coming out. Canada’s Jagpreet Singh was issued a green card and USA capitalized on the player advantage when Kaeppeler sent a long ball into the circle that was perfectly deflected by Pat Harris (Moorpark, Calif.). Kentwell had a close chance in the dying seconds of the half after receiving it right in front of Kapasi but couldn’t get a shot off. USA went into the break leading, 2-1.

Canada opened the third with back-to-back shots that were both denied by Klages. In the 23rd minute, Kentwell was driving toward the circle and was fouled hard by Canada’s Jagpreet Singh. He was issued a four-minute yellow as USA earned a penalty corner that Ajai Dhadwal (Agoura Hills, Calif.) scored off a double slip to make it 3-1. With five seconds left on the clock, Kentwell earned USA another penalty corner after his deflection was cleared by Kapasi into his own defender. Only fitting it was Kentwell who converted off a rebound to bump USA’s led to 4-1.

There was a lot of back and forth play in the opening minutes of the final frame. At the 37th minute, Harris was taken down off the right boards. Canada’s Lyles Fernandes was issued a 4-minute yellow as USA earned a penalty corner. Harris scored and sealed the 5-1 win and place in the IPAC Final.

USFHA media release

India men's hockey team banking on PR Sreejesh's experience

Veteran Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh will be making his third appearance at the Olympics in Tokyo 2020.

By Samrat Chakraborty



India men's hockey team captain Manpreet Singh is banking on the experience of veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, in pursuit of a podium finish at Tokyo 2020, slated to get underway from July 23 2021.

Sreejesh, the lone goalkeeper in the squad, will be making his third appearance at the Olympics in Tokyo 2020. He led the India men's hockey team to the quarter-finals at Rio 2016 and will be one of the vital cogs in the 16-man squad for the upcoming Olympics.

“He (Sreejesh) keeps motivating me…he gives me confidence and also to the team. In fact, we all have the confidence that we have Sreejesh in goal,” Manpreet said during the virtual media interaction on Friday.

10 out of the 16-member squad picked for the India men's hockey team for Tokyo 2020 will be making their debut at the Olympics. Manpreet, however, showed faith in the youngsters and believes that the strikers will play a crucial role.

“Actually, in the last three-to-four years, we have had the same team. The strikers are experienced. They have been doing well, that’s why they have been picked. Our strikers will play an important role and score goals,” Manpreet said.


Current Indian captain Manpreet Singh

The ace Indian midfielder also mentioned that his team's preparation for Tokyo 2020 hasn't been dampened despite the postponement of several events owing to the Covid-19 situation.

“Our performances in the last few years have been good. At the beginning of 2020 we were playing well, we beat good teams. Unfortunately, COVID-19 happened, there was a lockdown and we were in Bengaluru.

“We were training (in Bengaluru) and the Olympics got postponed. We decided that we have to take it positively. How to work on our game and keep improving,” Manpreet said.

The World No.4 side will begin their campaign in Tokyo against New Zealand on July 24. The Manpreet-led side have been drawn against reigning Olympic champions Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, and hosts Japan in Pool A.

Olympic Channel

Hockey India nominates Sreejesh, Deepika for Khel Ratna; Harmanpreet for Arjuna

The national federation also nominated R.P. Singh and Ch Sanggai Ibemhal for the Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement, while coaches BJ Kariappa and CR Kumar were recommended for the Dronacharya Award.


Parattu Raveendran Sreejesh nominated by Hockey India for this year's prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award on Saturday.   -  Getty Images

India goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh and former women's team player Deepika were on Saturday nominated by Hockey India for this year's Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.

Besides the duo, vice-captain of India's Tokyo Olympics-bound men's team Harmanpreet Singh and women's team members Vandana Katariya and Navjot Kaur were nominated for the Arjuna awards.

The national federation also nominated R.P. Singh and Ch Sanggai Ibemhal for the Dhyan Chand Award — for Lifetime Achievement — while coaches BJ Kariappa and CR Kumar were recommended for the Dronacharya Award.

According to a statement issued by HI, the period of consideration for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award was between January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2020.

During that period, the 35-year-old Sreejesh, who will be playing in his third Olympics, has played a key role in India's silver medal win at the 2018 Hockey Champions Trophy in Breda, the bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games and gold at the 2019 FIH Men's Series Finals in Bhubaneswar.

Sreejesh received the Arjuna award in 2015 and the Padma Shri recognition in 2017.

Deepika, on the other hand, was a vital part of the Indian women's hockey team, which won the silver medal at the 2018 Asian Games and at the 2018 Asian Champions Trophy.

Dragflick sensation Harmanpreet has over 100 international caps while Vandana has over 200 international caps. Navjot boasts of over 150 international appearances.

Speaking about the recommendations for the National Sports Awards, HI president Gyanendro Ningombam said, "It was a very proud moment for all of us when Rani won the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award last year and it is with great pride that we are recommending two of the finest hockey players the country has seen -- PR Sreejesh and Deepika -- for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award this year.

"We are also happy to nominate Harmanpreet Singh, Vandana Katariya and Navjot Kaur for the Arjuna Awards. They have produced some exceptional performances for the Indian team in the last few years."

The National Sports Awards are given to the country's sportspersons by the President of India on National Sports Day on August 29 every year to celebrate hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand's birthday.

All the prizes carry a trophy along with a citation and cash rewards.

Sportstar