Give the U.S. women’s indoor national field hockey team credit for starting off strong in its opening World Cup pool match against medal favorite Czechia.
Indeed, in under three minutes, midfielder Reese D’Ariano scored what could be one of the goals of the tournament when she barrelled into the right wing corner and flipped a shot into the top corner from the tightest of angles. That goal, and Erin Matson’s putaway from inside the penalty spot gave the States a 2-0 lead.
Alas, Czechia roared back with five consecutive goals and beat the United Eagles 5-3. The Czechs showed precise passing and good finishing, especially on the two short corners they put away.
The U.S. team will take on the host Croatian side as well as gold-medal favorites Belgium to finish off pool play. It doesn’t get any easier.