New Zealand Field Hockey Eliminates U.S.

Disappointment hit the United States women’s field hockey team on Saturday, as it lost to New Zealand, 3-2. The Americans had had high hopes of at least contending for a medal here, based on an improving offense, a notably rugged defense and one of the world’s best goalkeepers in Amy Tran-Swensen.
Oddly for this squad, it was defense that let it down, as New Zealand scored all of its goals from penalty corners. Of course, credit where credit’s due: the New Zealanders created all those corners in the first place, with skillful attack play that too often left American defenders kicking or stumbling on the ball.
Signs of encouragement for the Americans came in the way they improved their own attack, scoring two goals, and the way they kept up with the fleet New Zealanders, especially Anita Punt, and kept them from breaking away too often. Katie O’Donnell scored from open play for the United States, and the defender Claire Laubach scored on a penalty corner.
In Group B, then, New Zealand has joined Australia at the top, with 9 points from four games; Argentina and Germany have the best shot at knocking one of them out to gain a semifinal spot. They play each other later Saturday.
In Group A, where all teams have played four games, the Netherlands, the defending gold medalists, are undefeated (12 points), Britain has 9 and China has 7.
The Americans’ last game will be against winless South Africa, on Monday.