SA women fight back from two goals down against US at World Cup
The team only showed up after halftime in a 2-2 draw to score their first point of the tournament
07 February 2023 - 17:38
by David Isaacson
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SA player Jessica Lardant, left, battles for possession against 14-year-old Reece D’ariano of the US in their Indoor Hockey World Cup match at Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria on Tuesday. Picture: SUPPLIED
The SA women’s team arrived in body for their Indoor Hockey World Cup match against the US on Tuesday morning, but they only showed up after halfway to fight back from two goals down for a 2-2 draw and score their first point of the tournament.
After a hard-fought 3-2 loss to tournament favourites the Netherlands on Monday, the hosts struggled to get going in the early stages and the Americans hit them hard, going 2-0 up just after the midway break.
The SPAR South Women produced a tough and bruising battle against the tournament favourites Netherlands on Monday night at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria.
Tegan Fourie scored SA’s first in the 24th minute from the right side, threading the ball through a small gap between the US goalie and the inside post.
A minute later skipper Jess O’Connor equalised, firing a backhanded shot from the edge of the D and the ball flew past a few defenders and between the keeper’s legs into the net.
“It just shows that you push the ball on target and it might just go in,” O’Connor said with a chuckle, adding the match against Holland had taken a toll physically.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
SA women fight back from two goals down against US at World Cup
The team only showed up after halftime in a 2-2 draw to score their first point of the tournament
The SA women’s team arrived in body for their Indoor Hockey World Cup match against the US on Tuesday morning, but they only showed up after halfway to fight back from two goals down for a 2-2 draw and score their first point of the tournament.
After a hard-fought 3-2 loss to tournament favourites the Netherlands on Monday, the hosts struggled to get going in the early stages and the Americans hit them hard, going 2-0 up just after the midway break.
Tegan Fourie scored SA’s first in the 24th minute from the right side, threading the ball through a small gap between the US goalie and the inside post.
A minute later skipper Jess O’Connor equalised, firing a backhanded shot from the edge of the D and the ball flew past a few defenders and between the keeper’s legs into the net.
“It just shows that you push the ball on target and it might just go in,” O’Connor said with a chuckle, adding the match against Holland had taken a toll physically.
“Our legs were very tired ... we started off a bit lethargically and went two goals down.
“It wasn’t good enough from us, we’re very disappointed. It shows great character to get two-all. We tried to push for the win.”
The SA women’s team, who lost their opener against Austria 3-2, take on Australia on Wednesday (8.10pm).
“They’re going to come out firing and we need to match that intensity,” warned O’Connor.
The Netherlands routed Australia 8-0 later in the morning.
In the opening match of the day Iran downed the Australian men’s team 6-4.
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