USA win bronze at FIH Nations Cup, outlast Chile 3-2: field hockey
Ashley Hoffman scored on a low drag during the States contest against Chile. Photo: USA Field Hockey
The U.S. women’s field hockey team left the South Pacific with a bronze medal, the team’s first podium finish at the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup.
The United States defeated Chile 3-2 in the third-place match, securing the program’s first medal since the tournament began in 2022.
The scoring unfolded as Ashley Hoffman and Ashley Sessa set up the first goal on a penalty corner in the first half, which gave the States the 1-0 lead.
Chile answered on two penalty corners to take the 2-1 lead.
Hoffman came back on a low drag on the second of two consecutive corners to tie the game 2-2. And, Sessa was the last to score a penalty stroke that would become the game-winner.
It was the Americans’ second appearance in the competition after being relegated from the FIH Hockey Pro League. They finished fourth in the 2024-25 edition in Chile.
Chile entered the bronze-medal match seeking redemption after a 6-0 semifinal loss to India. The matchup brought together two teams trying to close the tournament with a medal after falling short of the final.
India won the 2026 FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup with a 2-0 victory over host New Zealand in the final, earning the opportunity for promotion to the 2026-27 FIH Hockey Pro League.
The United States reached the semifinals but was denied a place in the championship match by New Zealand, which advanced after a 1-1 draw and a 4-1 shootout win.
The result ended a recent run of success for the Americans against the Black Sticks, including victories during New Zealand’s visit to the United States last summer.
Ashley Sessa was one of the tournament’s leading scorers, finishing with six goals to share the top spot with India’s Deepika.
Sessa also was named Player of the Tournament. Her impact extended beyond scoring, as she consistently created pressure in and around the attacking circle.
Abby Tamer and Maddie Zimmer each earned player-of-the-match honors during the tournament. Goalkeeper Kelsey Bing also reached her 100th international cap and Tamer earned her 50th cap.
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