Australia fall to United States as focus turns to Japan and battle for Bronze
The United States have laid to rest Australia’s hope of an appearance in the Gold Medal game with a dominant 33 – 1 over Australia in Thursday’s semifinal action.
In a clash of unbeaten sides, Australia’s hopes were high that they could challenge the reigning gold medallists however those hopes were quickly dashed with the US opening their account within the first 15 seconds of the game. US draw specialist Maddie Epke had the ball on a string, giving the US consistent looks early as the US raced to a 9 – 0 quarter time lead. The onslaught continued in the second with Australia struggling to find time and space in the face of some incredible US pressure as Emma LaPinto led the way with 6 goals. Australia did manage to find some consolidation right on the edge of half time with Holly Dini finding Ocea Leavy for a great finish as the Aussies went into the half trailing 19 – 1.
The third quarter started with the US continuing to apply scoreboard pressure with Madison Alaimo scoring the first 2 before LaPinto added a 7th. The Australian defence was under siege but they fought hard with Australia keeper Natalie Eastwood racking up the saves as Jade Mangan and Kelsea Lawson trying to take it up to the US offence. With the game in the bag, the heat came out of the game in the last with the game noticeably slowing. The US managed to add 5 more and keep Australia shutout but it was clear that the focus had shifted to the next round as the US ended up prevailing 33 to 1.
Australia will now look to regroup on Friday with a Bronze Medal on the line against the loser of the Canada-Japan game. The USA meanwhile will now look towards the Gold Medal game as both sides look to defend their medals from 5 years ago.
