Singapore - July 21 - The USA Women's National Team rallied in the second half but ultimately fell short against Greece in the semifinal round of the World Aquatics World Championships, losing 14-10.
Ryann Neushul,
Jewel Roemer,
Emma Lineback and
Emily Ausmus all scored twice in the loss with
Amanda Longan recording six saves in cage. Team USA now prepares for the bronze medal match on Wednesday at 5:35am et/2:35am pt against the loser of Spain/Hungary. Live streaming of all USA matches will be available on
Peacock (login required).
Scoring was slow at the start as a tally from Lineback was all the offense through almost seven minutes of play. Late in the quarter Greece drew a penalty and scored but then a coach's challenge was initiated by
Adam Krikorian to review an earlier play. Upon VAR review it was determined Team USA had actually drawn a penalty on their prior possession. That negated the goal from Greece and
Jenna Flynn scored to give the United States a 2-0 lead. Greece made the most of what was left of the first quarter scoring consecutive goals to tie the match at 2-2 after one.
Ausmus opened the scoring in the second quarter giving the United States a 3-2 lead but Greece answered with three of their own to snare a 5-3 advantage with 3:28 to play in the half. Team USA chipped away at the deficit scoring two of the next three goals to close within one at halftime, trailing 6-5. Neushul and
Ava Stryker connected on the penalties to keep Team USA close.
The United States came out of intermission strong as Ausmus scored to tie the match at 6-6 followed by a goal from Neushul to retake the lead at 7-6 with 5:59 to play in the period. Team USA surged ahead again at 8-7 on a
Jewel Roemer power play goal with 5:07 left in the quarter. Greece took control for the rest of the period scoring two straight to go ahead 9-8 after three. They kept it going early in the fourth scoring the first goal to build a 10-8 advantage. Lineback answered the initial goal in the fourth with her second of the match to get the United States back within one at 10-9, but they'd get no closer after that. Greece piled up four straight goals to take charge in this one, leading 14-9 with time winding down. A late score from Team USA didn't change the outcome as Greece picked up the four goal win and assured themselves of their best World Championship finish since claiming gold in 2011.
Team USA struggled on the advantage going just 1/9 while Greece was 3/10. The United States went 3/3 on penalties while Greece did not attempt any penalty shots.
Scoring -
Stats
USA 10 (2, 3, 3, 2) R. Neushul 2, E. Lineback 2, J. Roemer 2, E. Ausmus 2, J. Flynn 1, A. Stryker 1
GRE 14 (2, 4, 3, 5) V. Plevritou 4, E. Xenaki 3, S. Santa 3, M. Patra 1, F. Tricha 1, E. Plevritou 1, M. Myriokefalitaki 1
Saves - USA - A. Longan 6 - GRE - I. Stamatopoulou 12
6x5 - USA - 1/9 - GRE - 3/10
Penalties - USA - 3/3 - GRE - 0/0
