No. 13 United States is set to play their final game in pool play with a matchup against No. 9 New Zealand, an opponent the United States hosted back in early December. The United Eagles sit 2-0 after shutouts vs No. 6 host India and No. 19 Italy. First pass back is set for 6:30 a.m. ET and can be viewed on CBS Sports Network.
Last Game: United States 2, Italy 0
Ashley Sessa (Northwestern) and Ashley Hoffman each scored as the United States blanked Italy 2-0. Sessa opened the scoring in the second quarter after deflecting a pass from Hoffman. Goalkeeper Kelsey Bing made some big saves in the second and third quarters to keep the 1-0 lead. Hoffman added to the United States lead early in the fourth quarter after delivering a forehand strike on a penalty stroke. Maddie Zimmer (Northwestern) earned Player of the Match for some stellar play in the midfield. The United States outshot Italy 5-4 and led 11-3 in penalty corners. Bing finished with four saves.
Last Time They Met
The United States hosted New Zealand in Charlotte back in early December of 2023, splitting the series.
On December 9, The United Eagles dropped the first contest 4-3 with goals from Brooke DeBerdine, Beth Yeager (Princeton) and Sanne Caarls. They bounced back in the second game with a 5-4 victory with goals from Golini, Sessa, Danielle Grega and two by Hoffman on December 10.
Player to Watch: Ashley Hoffman
Hoffman, who is second on the team with 110 international caps, finished the win 2-0 against Italy with a goal and assist. She has had a commanding presence through the first two contests, stepping up to make some key plays. She has a wicked drag flick that is crucial to their penalty corner success, and she will need to help generate offense vs a familiar opponent New Zealand.
3 Keys to the Game
- Defensive Structure
- Chaos in front of the cage
- Use Speed in Transition
USA Stat Leaders
Ashley Hoffman: 1 goal, 1 assist
Abby Tamer: 1 goal
Ashley Sessa: 1 goal
Leah Crouse: 1 assist
Kelsey Bing: 16 saves
USA Team Stats
Goals: 3
Total Shots: 12
Circle Penetrations: 26
Penalty corners: 14
jill gattens 