Month: January 2024

USFH IS GOING TO PARIS!!!!!

There are games that can just be a win, because of luck or just superior talent. Then there are games that demonstrate character…..today’s game with Japan in India was one of those games. The skill was there, but character drove them to the finish.The nervousness rose in this house this morning as the US was scored upon for the first time in this Olympic Qualifying tournament in the second half. Could they score and a least go to overtime!!!??

Not only did they score, but they scored twice in the closing fourth quarter minutes to secure that elusive ticket to the Paris Olympics. Japan pulled their goalkeeper to try even the game in the closing minutes, but the US was able to win a corner running clock in the process.

Team captain and Lafayette Alum Amanda Golini will be the first Lafayette alum to become an Olympian in one hundred years. The emotions were overwhelming. driving the team, its fans. and coaches to tears. David Passmore the head coach, was seen a little teary eyed at the end as well.

The team had been through the difficulties of coaching changes, and moving to Charlotte. In the end, not only did they persevere but thrived.

They will move on to play in the finals, their Paris ticket in hand. They are remaining in SE Asia for several weeks for pro league games, as they polish their skills before coming home.

Congratulations To Amanda And The Team As They Prepare For The Olympics!! Go USA

USWNT In Semi-Final For Olympic Qualifiers

Amanda Golini ’17 shows how defense is played by the underscored upon US Team

The US Women’s National Team launched themselves into the qualifying semifinals on the back of a 1-0 win over New Zealand today. The US is now undefeated and unscored upon after wins over India, Italy and New Zealand. They will now meet Japan on Thursday ( CBS Sports) in the semis. A win will place them in the finals and a sure trip to the Paris Olympic Games. A loss will move them to a play-in game in which a win will also buy them a ticket to Paris.

As to their latest tournament win, victory came on the back of a strong defense. A goal by Beth Yeager in the second quarter off a penalty corner, was to stand up after a strong defensive performance for the win. The US had 4 shots to 2 for New Zealand and the US had 11 penalty corners to 7. There was a streak in the 3rd corner when New Zealand had several corners in a row.

Lafayette parent/fan, Silvia Magadan beams with pride for her daughter’s accomplishments

The US had to work through 2 yellow cards in the second half which included a 3rd period in which New Zealand pulled their goalkeeper in an effort to put a score on the board.

This is a team that is coming together to the astonishment of the world hockey community. They entered the tournament ranked 15th. They will certainly leave the tournament much better than that. In the meantime they will need to tidy up their corners and finish more of their offensive opportunities.

Amanda Golini ( Amanda Magadan ’17) is displaying her leadership skills as captain. She is active on the field and had several key plays from her midfield position and on defensive penalty corners.

GO USA

US Women Score Huge Win Against India

The US Women’s National Team won their first game in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament today against India 1-0. Aside from the score and the Olympic berth at stake in the outcome, this game with the number six world ranked Indian team had special drama attached to it. Four years ago, India had knocked the US team out Olympic contention in a play in game. Janneke Shopmann had been the US coach at the time and was relieved after the series. She has since become the Indian coach and the US has had a series of coaches before settling on David Passamore.

Team congratulates Amy Tamer on goal

Comparing the two teams one has only to count the number of caps vs the Indian team. Amanda Golini (nee Magadan) and Ashley Hoffaman by far have the most caps on the team ( about 260 together). No one else comes close. India is an experienced side who was expected to dominate their Pool. There are two Pools for a total Eight teams playing. The top three will go to Paris in the coming Olympics this summer.

US defense was on it all game

This tournament is being played in Rachi, India and a second tournament is being played in Valencia, Spain with another three to get their bid the same way.

The name of game was defense, as the Red,White and Blue made a second period goal stand up in the end. It was made possible as Kelsey Bing, the US goalkeeper and player of the game turned back threat after threat.

The first period saw team captain and Lafayette alumna Amanda Golini apparently scoring the opening goal. However, under video review by the referees there was an obstruction violation negating the score. The US had to wait until the second period when Abby Tamer scored to make it 1-0.

Goal Keeping Was Excellent by Kelsey Bing

In terms of circle penetrations, corners and offensive possessions the home team had the edge. At one point India had 4 corners in row turned away by Kelsey Bing. But the US defense as whole maintained their 4-3-4 scheme turning way the attacking Indian Team.

The US will be taking on Italy tomorrow at 6:30 am EST. The games are televised by the CBS sports channel.