USA women play for third place in FIH Nations Cup after losing semifinal to host New Zealand in a shootout: field hockey

Bethany Dykema left and Lauren Wadas right try to prevent a circle entry in their match against New Zealand. Photo: USA Field Hockey

It’s another late night for field hockey fans in the United States.

The States are competing against Chile for third place after dropping their semifinal contest to host New Zealand. The bronze medal match is scheduled for 12 a.m. on June 21 EST in Auckland.

In the FIH Nations Cup semifinal, the United States women held the defending tournament champion to a 1-1 draw in regulation.

The tie sent the match to a shootout, where the Black Sticks defeated the United States, 4-1, to advance to the championship game. India defeated Chile 6-0 in the first of the two semifinals.

The results placed the United States in the third-place match in the tournament’s fourth edition. The Americans will face Chile in a rematch of the third edition, where the United Eagles finished fourth.

After New Zealand won the previous edition of the tournament, the Black Sticks declined promotion to the FIH Pro League, allowing silver medalist Ireland to move up instead.

Ashley Hoffman scored the lone goal for the United States, converting a penalty corner with a sweep from the top of the circle. Hannah Cotter scored for New Zealand.

The Nations Cup fills the gap in international field hockey by giving top non-Pro League teams a clear path to qualify for the FIH Pro League.

The FIH Pro League currently features Argentina, Australia, Belgium, China, England, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain.

FIH Pro League and Nations Cup games are streamed live on Watch.Hockey.

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