In a Pool B match, USA and Cuba played. Prior to the match, the USA’s Rachel DAWSON was honored for her 150^th cap. The USA took an early 1-0 lead over Cuba off a Katie O’DONNELL field goal in the 2^nd minute. Throughout much of the first half, the USA dominated possession. Cuba, however, consistently fought and kept the USA from developing many attacking plays. In the 15^th minute, the USA earned their first penalty corner of the match and Claire LAUBACH scored to put the USA ahead 2-0 over Cuba. Two minutes later, LAUBACH converted another penalty corner to make the score USA 3 and Cuba nill. The United States received another penalty corner in the 21^st minute and Caroline NICHOLS’ shot increased the USA’s lead over Cuba. The United States continued its offensive pressure and Katelyn FALGOWSKI made the score USA 5 and Cuba nill in the 26^th minute. Cuba earned a few penalty corners late in the half, but could not convert. In the closing minutes of the half, NICHOLS converted a penalty stroke to make it a USA 6, Cuba nill score going into halftime.

In the second half, Cuba came out on attack and earned the first penalty corner of the half, but could not get a shot off. The USA continued to dominate possession and Katie O’DONNELL scored again in the 44^th minute to increase the USA’s lead to 7-0 over Cuba. Soon after, the USA’s Michelle KASOLD tipped in a goal to make it a 8-0 USA versus Cuba score. The USA increased their lead to nine goals off a Paige SELENSKI field goal in the 55^th minute. Despite being down nine goals, Cuba did not let up and kept fighting for possession. And Cuba’s defense held strong, to prevent the USA from further scoring opportunities. With Cuba unable to capitalize on play in their attacking area in the final minutes, the final score was USA 9, Cuba nill.

Match Quotes

Cuba’s Coach Hilario YERA DIAZ

On the match…

I think that the United States is a great team. They are very prepared in all aspects and I thought they played tremendously. I congratulate the USA on their win.

The United States’ Coach Lee BODIMEADE

On the match…

I think it is a real benefit for our girls to play teams like Cuba with different styles. It is what an international tournament is about. Cuba’s fast attacking style makes our team better. We wanted to be challenged offensively because we wanted to work on our tackles and I think we were able to do that today. The result is great, especially as we head into the Semi-Final.