DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND - Maryland's Hope Rose, Leah Crouse, Emma DeBerdine, and Kelee Lepage helped the 12th ranked U.S. Women's National Team defeat host No. 9 New Zealand to win the 3 Nations Tournament.
In the championship game, the United States secured a 2–1 victory, finishing the tournament undefeated with four wins, including two practice matches.
KEY MOMENTS
- 1' USA earned their first penalty corner
- 6' New Zealand awarded a penalty stroke, goalkeeper makes the stop
- 29' USA scores, 1-0
- 30' New Zealand earned a penalty corner
- 32' New Zealand ties it, 1-1
- 43' USA scores the go ahead goal, 2-1
- 56' New Zealand pulled goalkeeper Grace O'Hanlon
- 59' New Zealand penalty corner
Hope Rose and Emma DeBerdine were instrumental for Team USA, providing a strong defensive presence from the midfield. Rose consistently disrupted opposing attacks with smart positioning, and timely tackles helping protect the backline and maintain possession.
DeBerdine complemented that effort with her speed and field awareness, breaking up plays, winning key battles, and quickly transitioning the ball into attack. Together, their defensive impact in the midfield helped Team USA control play and limit opponents' scoring opportunities throughout the tournament.
Thoughts from Head Coach David Passmore: "Really delighted to win in difficult conditions but to be six for six on tour, including our two practice games, is quite an achievement. We knew New Zealand would come out strong and they played with good tempo but our speed on the counter was a continual threat. While New Zealand had more possession, our defensive effort limited their circle entries. Today's goals were especially pleasing as they came from areas we have been working on. That said you always need goalkeepers in form and Kelsey Bing's penalty stroke save kept us level early on. This result demonstrates the progress the group has made and with a strong squad left at home, how the program is developing overall."
Next Up: The USWNT will host No. 15 Chile in Charlotte, N.C. from February 10 to 15 for four unsanctioned matches. There will be no coverage of these games
