This previous weekend in Charlotte, N.C., the U.S. ladies’s discipline hockey group performed a pair of friendlies in opposition to New Zealand. The 2 video games had been a part of the Eagles’ run-in for the Pan American Cup, which serves as a World Cup qualifier for the subsequent FIH World Cup to be held in 2026.
The U.S. beat the Kiwis by equivalent 3-0 scores. The U.S. group confirmed ability on the assault finish, getting a purpose in every recreation from Phia Gladieux, executing on penalty nook dragflicks from Caroline Ramsey and Beth Yeager, and even had been capable of assist teenage wunderkind Reese D’Ariano rating her first worldwide purpose within the out of doors recreation.
Too, the U.S. group confirmed a sure ruthlessness of their recreation play. In every recreation, the States received fast braces; within the first recreation, the 2 objectives got here solely about 45 seconds aside; within the second recreation, the U.S. scored a pair of objectives in a mere 30 seconds.
I feel it’s that sort of mentality that can serve the U.S. group properly, particularly given the duty which awaits them in Montevideo, Uruguay later this month.
The US goes into the Pan American Cup needing to both win the event, or be the primary group behind Argentina (already certified by means of its silver-medal efficiency within the FIH Professional League) if the Albicelestes win. And given the historical past of the Pan American Cup, that’s doubtless. Argentina has received each model of the event because it was instituted in 2001, and the U.S., after profitable 4 straight silvers, began seeing last placings wane afterwards. The U.S. positioned in third in 2017, and positioned fourth in 2022. Within the latter occasion, that consequence saved the U.S. out of the World Cup.
If the U.S. doesn’t win or be the primary group behind a profitable Argentina facet, the Individuals must take part in one in all two eight-team qualification tournaments to be held in late February and early March of 2026. To make the World Cup by means of these repechage tournaments, the U.S. must both make the medals stand, or be the highest-ranked fourth-place group.
In fact, the U.S. would slightly not undergo that uncertainty; the United Eagles can take all of those situations out of the equation with the collection of an excellent facet and with the ability to place within the high two alongside Argentina. We’ll know extra Tuesday.
