USWNT defeats Scotland 3-2 in first win at the FIH World Cup

Reese D’Ariano put the United Eagles on the board first in an intense match against Scotland in the FIH World Cup. Photo: USA Field Hockey

USA Field Hockey came out firing Monday against No. 14 Scotland, sparked by a searing backhand goal from Reese D’Ariano. 

That followed D’Ariano breaking the ice in the opener against Argentina, when the 17-year-old earned the first attacking penalty corner of the match. 

The No. 11 United Eagles are now 1-0-1. Scotland, making their first FIH World Cup appearance in 24 years, are 0-2-0. 

“We are delighted to get the win,” head coach David Passmore said in a statement. “When we played on the front foot, we were threatening, but Scotland are a good side and we turned the ball over too cheaply and ran it too often.” 

Within the first three minutes, D’Ariano received a textbook aerial just outside the 23-meter line. She brought the ball down, cut inside from the broken, and unleashed a low reverse that sent a blistering shot to the edge of the cage. 

Mia Schoenbeck celebrates scoring her goal in USA’s game against Scotland along with her teammates. Photo: USA Field Hockey

Scotland rallied to find the equalizer on their first penalty corner, sending the ball toward Kelsey Bing’s near side before lifting it into the cage. 

In the second quarter, Phia Gladieux capitalized on a Scotland error, digging in to collect a loose ball, carrying it into the circle, and rifling it into the back of the cage to make it 2-1. 

Set pieces became decisive in the third quarter, with both the States and Scotland executing. Mia Schoenbeck delivered on a drag flick, sending the ball from just inside the circle into the cage. 

USA have been developing multiple options at the top, with shooters who can drag with power. 

Late in the game, Scotland pulled their goalie. 

Passmore continued: “…we coped well when Scotland took off their goalkeeper by restricting them to wide entries. It’s a good learning experience for this team who will only improve from having been through that type of pressure. It’s all to play for now and we will rest mentally and physically before the big game against Germany.” 

Sideline celly. Photo: USA Field Hockey

The States have often been viewed in recent years as a team opponents could handle. But USA are managing games better now and winning key micro moments, where their skills are beginning to shine. 

USA play Germany at 8 a.m. EST on Wednesday. 

Where to watch: Watch.Hockey or CBSSportsNetwork

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