A four-goal performance from Mackenzie Allessie propelled the USA to the top of Pool B after an 8-0 win over hosts Peru in the teams’ first-ever match up. Despite the score margin Peru goalkeeper Chaira Conetta was superb, while her team mates showed a great defensive improvement in just three games of the tournament.

Although USA had Peru hemmed in their 25-yard area for the majority of the game, it was the Peru defence that was the star of the opening half. In particular, Peru goalkeeper and captain Chaira Conetta was making save after save on USA attack. Peru defenders Claudia Ardiles and Marianella Alvarez did well to not only intercept USA passes in the circle but also clear the ball. The Americans got on the board just once in the first quarter when Lauren Moyer deflected an Ali Froede sweep hit on a penalty corner in the seventh minute.

In the second quarter Conetta continued to deny USA chances including a save on an Ashley Hoffman shot on a penalty corner. The Americans had quality chances from each of Linnea Gonzales in free play and Ashley Hoffman on a penalty corner but it was Conetta that stood in their way. In the 28^th minute USA finally broke through as Danielle Grega buried a goalmouth scramble to make it 2-0. Erin Matson made it 3-0 when she made a nice lifted reception at the top of the circle and smashed it in off the bounce.

The USA started to wear down the Peru defence finding goals in the 32nd and 33rd minute by Allessie to make it 5-0 for the Americans. Allessie completed the hat trick in the 40^th minute on a pass from Margaux Paolino. Allessie eliminated her defender and put the ball in on her reverse to make 6-0 for USA.

USA added two more goals in the fourth quarter – a fourth from Allessie, while Kat Sharkey blasted a penalty corner shot in the final minute of the game to make it 8-0 for USA.

With the victory USA secure the top spot of Pool B, while Peru finishes in fourth. USA will likely cross over with Cuba in Pool A, while Peru will cross over with the top-seeded Argentina.