New Indian Express: USA knocks off No. 3 Australia in women’s field hockey at Rio
RIO DE JANEIRO: The United States claimed its second straight win against a top-three team in women’s field hockey, beating No. 3 Australia 2-1 on Monday.
Michelle Vittese and Caitlin van Sickle scored for the Americans, who defeated No. 2 Argentina 2-1 in their Olympic opener on Saturday.
United States goalie Jackie Briggs had six saves and had four saves on the four penalty corners she faced. The crowd chanted, “Jackie! Jackie!” after the match.
The fifth-ranked Americans, who lead Pool B with six points, moved closer to qualifying for the quarterfinals. The top four teams in each six-team pool advance.
The Americans dealt a major blow to Australia. The Hockeyroos dropped their opener to Britain 2-1 on Saturday and now have no points with three pool play matches remaining.
The United States spent the early part of the match defending its goal as the aggressive Australian attack put the Americans on their heels. Briggs stopped four shots in the first period, and the match remained scoreless.
Much like in their opener against Argentina, the Americans retained their composure. Vittese scored on a penalty corner to put the United States up 1-0 in the second period.
The Americans went up 2-0 in the third period when van Sickle scored on a penalty corner. There was a video referral because the pass near the goal was high, but it was not considered and the goal was upheld.
Australia came back fewer than two minutes later with a goal by Kathryn Slattery.
The Hockeyroos got another penalty corner with two minutes remaining in the fourth period, but Briggs deflected a shot high.