Aug. 18, 2008

Courtsey of USA Field Hockey

The U.S. Olympic Team for Women's Field Hockey fought to a 0-0 draw with Great Britian at the Olympic Green Hockey Stadium. The match was their final game of Olympic Games pool play. The USA finished with a record of one win, one loss, and three ties.

The draw slots the USA in fourth place in Pool B standings. The Americans will play the fourth place team in Pool A, likely Spain, in a crossover match that will determine 7th and 8th place in the final standings. The game is scheduled for Wednesday, August 20 at 11:00am.

Germany and Argentina, the top two teams from Pool B, will continue on to the semifinal rounds. The draw secured third place for Great Britain.

The USA had an opportunity to progress to the semifinal round with a multi-goal victory over Great Britain and a loss by Argentina against New Zealand.

Statistically, the United States controlled much of the contest against Great Britain, creating nine penalty corners, but could not score.

"We set up a game plan that we thought would be successful, and we executed 99% of it," said USA head coach Lee Bodimeade. "At the end of the day, it's how many times you get the ball into the back of net to see if you win or lose. We were happy with the field play, but where it really counts, we didn't take full advantage. It's a draw. We didn't fulfill what we started out for at the start of the game."

"Obviously, we are disappointed," said team captain Kate Barber, "but I thought we played well and dominated the attack."

"The United States is a very tough team, very physically tough," said English midfielder Helen Richardson. "They threw everything at us."

Great Britain had an opportunity to win the game on a penalty corner as time expired, but the Americans successfully defended the shot.

"We were going for the win," said striker Keli Smith. "It is disappointing when you dominate a game statistically and just to do not put the ball in the cage."