Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Women’s Senior National Team defeated Hungary 12-11 in a penalty shootout
- Emily Ausmus scored the game-tying goal with 0:17 remaining in regulation and the winning goal in the shootout
- Amanda Longan made nine saves, including two crucial stops in the shootout, to help secure the victory
- The game was closely contested, with both teams creating scoring opportunities and playing strong defense
- The U.S. team’s ability to capitalize on power play opportunities and make clutch plays in the shootout ultimately led to their win
Introduction to the Game
The U.S. Women’s Senior National Team faced off against Hungary in a highly competitive match that ultimately came down to a penalty shootout. The game was played in Szolnok, Hungary, and was a thrilling display of skill and determination from both teams. The match got off to a strong start, with Hungary striking first on the opening possession, but the U.S. team quickly responded with a goal from Jewel Roemer to level the score.
First Half Action
The first half of the game was marked by back-and-forth scoring, with both teams creating opportunities and capitalizing on power play chances. Rachel Fattal scored a powerful long-distance goal to put the U.S. team in front, but Hungary answered with two goals of their own to take the lead. Fattal then scored again to tie the game at 3-3, and the U.S. team continued to push forward, with Ryann Neushul and Rachel Gazzaniga adding to the score. Hungary stopped the American run with three consecutive goals, but Roemer took advantage of a power play opportunity to give the U.S. team a 7-6 edge at the break.
Defensive Clinic
The third period was a defensive clinic, with both teams struggling to create scoring opportunities. Neither side was able to find the back of the net, and the score remained 7-6 in favor of the U.S. team headed into the fourth quarter. The trend continued well into the fourth quarter, with both teams playing strong defense and neither able to gain a clear advantage. However, Hungary was able to draw two exclusions and convert on a 6-on-4 opportunity to tie the game with 1:32 left on the clock.
Fourth Quarter Drama
The fourth quarter was marked by intense drama, with both teams fighting for the win. Hungary took the lead with 0:39 remaining, but the U.S. team took a timeout to draw up a play and earned an exclusion with 0:26 left. Emily Ausmus capitalized on the opportunity, scoring the game-tying goal with 0:17 remaining in regulation. The game then went to a penalty shootout, where the U.S. team’s clutch plays and strong goalkeeping from Amanda Longan ultimately led to their victory.
Shootout Heroics
The shootout was a thrilling display of skill and determination, with both teams creating scoring opportunities and making clutch plays. Hungary scored first, but the U.S. team responded with goals from Jovana Sekulic, Jordan Raney, and Ryann Neushul. Longan made crucial saves to keep the U.S. team in the game, and Ausmus ultimately scored the winning goal to secure the 12-11 victory. The U.S. team’s ability to capitalize on power play opportunities and make clutch plays in the shootout ultimately led to their win, and they were able to come away with a hard-fought victory over a tough Hungarian team.
Game Statistics
The final score was 12-11 in favor of the U.S. team, with Emily Ausmus, Rachel Fattal, Rachel Gazzaniga, and Ryann Neushul all scoring multiple goals. Amanda Longan made nine saves in the cage, including two crucial stops in the shootout. The U.S. team was 3/13 on power play opportunities, while Hungary was 4/13. The game was a closely contested and intense match, with both teams giving it their all and leaving everything on the pool deck. In the end, the U.S. team’s clutch plays and strong goalkeeping led to their victory, and they were able to come away with a well-deserved win.
