South Africa started well in their match against USA at the Samsung Hockey World Cup in Madrid, but form gradually deserted them as they looked increasingly flat-footed against a concerted team from the States, losing 3-1.
South Africa enjoyed superior possession in the opening minutes; much of it in the USA’s half, though no opportunities on goal presented themselves.
When SA’s defense lifted for a moment in the 24th minute, the USA’s Angie Loy flicked a sharp pass past goalie Jack to open scoring in the game.
That defensive lapse aside, South Africa defended the USA’s foray’s with typical dogged attention, Taryn Hoskins’ physical tackles belying her lithe frame.
American striker April Fronzoni’s persistent failure to retreat on SA’s free hits earned the USA a green card with 13 minutes to go.
An uncharacteristic illegal stick challenge from Fiona Butler three minutes later presented the North Americans another penalty corner in the 24th minute, which Carrie Lingo turned in at the goal’s right hand upright.
SA would have conceded a third at the five-minute mark with a different umpire, except for Kate Hector coming to the rescue to clear the ball off the goal line.
Henna du Buisson speared SA’s first real chance at goal with two minutes to goal, only to be deprived following excellent work by the USA goalkeeper.
Her second touch a bare minute later spooned up, and was easily cleared, leaving the USA with a 2-0 advantage at the break.
Captain Marsha Marescia struck in the 9th minute of the first half to open SA’s account, turning in Jen Wilson’s flick to her from SA’s 3rd penalty corner.
It was down to Caroline Jack in the 17th minute when Angie Loy left SA’s defense behind, but Jack was up to it, deflecting the ball away to be cleared for a long corner.
But the USA came back, and Fronzoni scored from a series of short passes in the SA circle to lead 3-1.
SA didn’t show enough intensity for the remaining 17 minutes of the last half, with the midfield failing to play much attacking ball forward.
Despite determined play in their first three games against superior talent, SA languish second last on the Pool A log with 2 points after 2 draws and two losses.
Team captain Marescia will take much out of the game following her first goal of the tournament, and will hope to lead her team to their first win in their final game.
Scorers:
USA – Angie Loy (Field Goal in 13th min)
USA – Carrie Lingo (Penalty Corner in 24th min)
SPAR SA – Marsha Marescia (Penalty Corner in 49th min)
USA – April Franzone (Field Goal)
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