Germany Knock Out U.S. Women’s Field Hockey In Olympic Quarterfinal

Germany is one step closer to winning another Olympic medal in women’s field hockey.

Germany Knock Out U.S. Women’s Field Hockey In Olympic Quarterfinal

The German women held off a late surge by the Americans to advance to the semifinals with a 2-1 victory, thus putting themselves in position to return to the medal podium in an event they won in Athens in 2004.

The U.S. women’s field hockey team finished last among 12 teams at the London 2012 Games.

“We’re just right where we wanted to be from the beginning on, and now we have two chances to win a medal,” Germany defender Nika Lorenz said. “That’s what we’re here for, right? That’s why you play the Olympic Games.”

Germany’s Marie Mavers opened scoring midway through the first period. Lisa Altenburg then fired a backhanded shot into the top of the net to put Germany ahead 2-0 late in the first.

The Americans scored a goal late in the first half, although it was quickly taken off after a video review. After halftime, the U.S. fought through the searing heat, running right through the German defense at the beginning of the third period, but found themselves unable to convert.

With under four minutes remaining, Katelyn Falgowski scored the U.S.’s lone goal to make it 2-1. The U.S. managed just seven shots, despite controlling possession for most of the match. Katie Bam made one last effort to tie the game, taking a backhand shot at the German goalkeeper, hitting the ground hard but drawing no penalty.

The U.S. defeated No. 2 Argentina and No. 3 Australia in their first two Olympic matches, then beat Japan and India to take the lead in their group. The Americans then led their final pool play match against Britain going into the fourth period before losing 2-1. In their four first-round victories, the U.S. had trailed only once, by a single goal, and that was just in the final minutes of one game.

“We came into the tournament hopeful of getting onto the podium,” United States coach Craig Parnham said. “We’ve not been able to do that. I’m really proud of what this team has done here, and what we’ve done over the past 3 ½ years.”

Despite the early deficit on Monday, the U.S. still believed they had a chance.

“Of course, we’d prefer not to be two goals down in the first part of the game,” added Parnham, an Englishman who took over in 2013. “It’s what happens. We’ve been there before. It’s not a big issue for us.”

As they trudged off the field, dejected, the eliminated U.S. women embraced one another and some took questions from reporters. Most of the ones who chose to speak were the team veterans.

“It’s life; there are no guarantees,” said Rachel Dawson, the second-oldest player on the team at age 31 and a veteran of more games on the national squad than any other player.

Beside Dawson stood Falgowski. The 27-year-old has played several games for the national team and may continue playing. When asked about the Tokyo 2020 Games, however, Falgowski simply said, “We’ll see.”

“I’m proud of our tournament,” she said. And yet, she acknowledged, there was still the fact they had gone out in the quarterfinals, not later in the tournament.

Article by Pablo Mena