New Zealand have beaten the United States 3-2 at Lloyd Elsmore Park in Auckland today, leaving them within touching distance of a second straight final.
The Black Sticks women won last week's four nations tournament at North Harbour, beating Australia 3-2 in the final. Today's win means the world No 6 New Zealand will make the final of this week's competition - between the same four sides - if they beat India on Saturday.
Today's performance was less impressive than last week's 3-1 victory over the world No 10 United States, but it still provided a vital tune-up for Mark Hager's side before the London Olympics.
New Zealand went to the halftime break with a 2-1 lead, thanks to goals from Charlotte Harrison and Gemma Flynn. The Black Sticks were probably fortunate to hold an advantage, after starting the half the slower of the two teams.
The United States went ahead through their second penalty corner after 10 minutes, with Rachel Dawson's low shot turned in by New Zealand defender Emily Naylor as she tried to clear.