Miami, FL - December 7 - The USA Women's National Team held off Spain 9-7 earlier tonight at Ransom Everglades High School to pick up the victory in the first match of a two-game set in South Florida. It was a homecoming for Ransom Everglades graduate
Ashleigh Johnson who recorded 11 saves in the win.
Jewel Roemer scored two goals to lead a balanced attack on offense. Team USA returns to play on Saturday night in Fort Lauderdale at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatics Center at 5pm et/2pm pt. Tickets are still available for the match and can be purchased by
clicking here. The match will also stream LIVE at
Overnght.com with LIVE stats at
6-8Sports.com.
Tara Prentice got the scoring started in the first quarter for a 1-0 lead. Spain came right back with two straight to go in front 2-1, but
Jenna Flynn had the last word hitting for a power play to make it 2-2 after one. Defense was the theme in the second quarter as Spain held the United States scoreless while adding one goal to grab a 3-2 edge at halftime. Team USA made a major turnaround in the third quarter. After struggling early on the power play, things started to click on the advantage and Team USA outscored Spain 4-1 in the third.
Denise Mammolito,
Ryann Neushul and Roemer all scored on power plays to help build a 5-4 lead.
Kaleigh Gilchrist added a goal to make it 6-4 going to the fourth.
Rachel Fattal,
Maggie Steffens and Roemer scored three of the first four goals in the fourth to take a four goal lead, the largest of the match. From there the United States was able to keep Spain at bay, securing the two-goal win. The United States went 6/11 on power plays while Spain went 2/9 with neither team attempting a penalty shot.
Scoring -
Scoresheet
USA 9 (2, 0, 4, 3) J. Roemer 2, T. Prentice 1, R. Fattal 1, J. Flynn 1, M. Steffens 1, R. Neushul 1, D. Mammolito 1, K. Gilchrist 1
ESP 7 (2, 1, 1, 3) A. Espar 2, B. Ortiz 1, C. Nogue 1, P. Crespi 1. P. Pena 1, N. Perez 1
Saves - USA - A. Johnson 11 - ESP - M. Terre 4, L. Ester 1
6x5 - USA - 6/11 - ESP - 2/9
