Newport Beach, CA – December 16 – Despite a furious fourth quarter rally the USA Women’s National Team fell short to the Netherlands on the second night of Holiday Cup action losing 9-8. Courtney Mathewson (Anaheim Hills, CA/UCLA/NYAC) andMaggie Steffens (Danville, CA/Stanford/NYAC) scored two goals each and Gabby Stone (La Jolla, CA/Stanford/SD Shores) posted six saves in the loss. Team USA returns to action on Thursday evening when they meet Spain at 6:30pm pt. The USA Men’s National Team will follow with a match against Croatia at 8pm. Tickets will be available at the door for just $10 for students with a school ID (high school and younger). For more information on the Holiday Cup including schedules, stats, webcasts, and match replays, click here.
Team USA started off strong with a tally from Steffens to go up 1-0. The Netherlands responded with two straight goals beforeRachel Fattal (Seal Beach, CA/UCLA/SOCAL) delivered for a 2-2 match after the first period. The second quarter featured just one goal, one of four from Yasemin Smit as the Netherlands built a 3-2 lead at halftime.
The Dutch took control in the third quarter posting four goals to go ahead 7-4 after three periods. They appeared to put the match away with two more goals early in the fourth to grab a 9-4 advantage. The United States looked to rally with four straight goals but it wouldn’t be enough as the Netherlands hung on for the victory 9-8.
Team USA struggled on the power play going just 1-9 and 1-2 on penalty shots while the Netherlands went 3/11 on power plays and 2-2 on penalty shots. In other Holiday Cup action it was Italy edging Spain 9-8.
Scoring – Scoresheet
USA 8 (2, 0, 2, 4) C. Mathewson 2, M. Steffens 2, M. Musselman 1, R. Fattal 1, A. Grossman 1, K. Craig 1
NED 9 (2, 1, 4, 2) Y. Smit 4, V. Sevenich 2, L. Klassen 2 S. Van der Sloot 1
Saves – USA – G. Stone 6 – NED – L. Aarts 8. D. Willemsz 4
6×5 – USA – 1-9 – NED 3-11
Penalties – USA – 1-2 – NED – 2-2
Italy 9 Spain 8 – Scoresheet
Swimming news courtesy of USA Water Polo.