Aus-some Comeback: Team USA Prevails
by Clare Lochary | Lacrosse Magazine Online Staff
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Goalie Megan Huether anchored Team USA's second-half shutout with six saves. The U.S. erased a 9-4 deficit to beat rival Australia, 10-9, in the FIL Women's World Cup. © Pellerins Photography |
The Blague from Prague: Lochary's Live-Game Blog
Box Score: United States 10, Australia 9
PRAGUE, Czech Republic -- Just call ‘em
the Comeback Kids.
The U.S. rallied to a thrilling 10-9 upset victory Monday over
defending world champion Australia in the 2009 FIL Women's
World Cup.
Team USA trailed 5-0 early in the first half and entered
halftime with a 9-4 deficit. But the Americans stormed back in the
second period, shutting out the powerful Australian offense and
slowing chipping away at the lead. The game-winner came when Sarah
Albrecht (3g) made a strong cut to the center of the arc and
slammed home a perfect feed from Caroline Cryer (1g, 1a) with 4:21
remaining.
“They’re a young team. They needed to keep their
composure, and they did. We needed to play a smart game, and we
did,” said U.S. head coach Sue Heether.
The Americans, none of whom have previous World Cup experience,
have displayed a propensity for dramatic comebacks. Earlier in the
tournament, they rallied from a 4-3 halftime deficit to defeat
Canada, 11-4, and broke out from a 6-6 halftime tie to defeat
England, 17-8. The U.S. thrives in high-pressure situations, a
trait which should serve it well as it enters the medal round with
the tournament’s only perfect 4-0 record.
“There’s no better spark for the offense than a great
defense, and that’s what we got,” said midfielder
Acacia Walker whose second goal of the game on a penalty shot tied
the game with 7:45 left.
“This is moment we live for, to have an incredible comeback
on an awesome team.”
Australia raced to an early lead on the strength of Stacey
Morlang's three goals and one assist, but the Americans controlled
the tempo in the second half, milking long possessions for
high-quality shots on the offensive end. They also benefited from a
goalie change -- right-handed U.S. starter Devon Wills (three
saves) came out in favor of lefty keeper Megan Huether (six saves),
who anchored the second-half shutout.
“It really fires me up to come in at a moment like that. I
like any opportunity to help the team, whatever my role,”
said Huether.
The U.S. put forth a balanced offensive effort, with six different
players contributing to the score.
“We were more fluid with each other, and it just came. We
were just playing together. In the first half, we were rushing our
shots,” said Albrecht, who was named Player of the Match.
Australia won the final draw and had a chance to tie it on Jen
Adams’ (2g) tricky feed to Sonia LaMonica on the crease. But
LaMonica couldn’t handle the ball, and Huether came up with
possession. The U.S. then executed a textbook stall in the final
minutes, demonstrating the icy composure required for such a
dramatic comeback win.
“This is the smartest game we’ve played yet, and we
still haven’t shown everything we’ve got. We’re
just getting started,” said Heether.
Team USA advances to the quarterfinals Wednesday at 4 p.m.
Prague time against the winner of a play-in match between Ireland
and the Czech Republic.
OTHER SCORES
Pool A
United States 10, Australia 9
England 20, Japan 3
Pool B
Wales 10, Scotland 6
Czech Republic 15, New Zealand 3
Pool C
Ireland 12, Haudenosaunee 6
Denmark 15, Korea 2
Netherlands 17, Austria 2
The U.S. women's national teams program is coordinated by US Lacrosse,
the national governing body of the sport. deBeer Lacrosse
is the official exclusive equipment and apparel supplier to the
U.S. women's national teams program.
Related Links |
Team USA Schedule/Results |
| * Official Event Web Site | U.S. 17, England 8 - Boxscore | Recap |
| * Live Game Video Feed | U.S. 11, Canada 4 - Boxscore | Recap |
| * Team USA Home Page | U.S. 26, Japan 12 - Boxscore | Recap |
| U.S. 10, Australia 9 - Boxscore | Recap | |
| Quarterfinals: U.S. vs. Ireland/Czech - Wednesday, 4 p.m. Local Time |
