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.
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.
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.
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.
Lafayette College Field Hockey 