Hockey: Black Sticks women too strong for USA

Krystal Forgesson was on target in the first half for the Black Sticks Women. Photo / Getty Images

The Black Sticks women started a five match series against the USA by ending an eight year hoodoo with a 2-1 victory in San Diego today.

Striker Krystal Forgesson opening the scoring in the first four minutes after an impressive run downfield by Anita Punt.

Two minutes later the attacking flair of the US came to no end with a penalty corner save from the Black Sticks. Throughout the match a total of two penalty corners were saved in the sixth and 16th minutes from the Black Sticks Women who dug deep for the full 75.

Co-captain Emily Naylor made one of the penalty corner saves in the 31st minute; however the US still found the back of the net, scoring off the rebound and putting them on the board just before halftime.

In the second half, Midlands striker, Cat Finlayson scored with a field goal in the eighth minute after a great cross from Katie Glynn.

Digging deep in the remaining minutes of the match, the Black Sticks had a penalty corner in the 32nd minute however Stacey Michelsen failed to execute the drag out and the USA cleared the ball.

Maintaining possession in the final two minutes of the game, the Black Sticks held on to secure the 2-1 win.

For coach Mark Hager however, the match lacked an expected level of performance.

"Basics were very poor today and there was a lack of quality on those basic skills," says Hager.

Their second match is Wednesday 6 September at 9.00am NZ time.

Half time score: 1-1 (Krystal Forgesson)
Full time score: 2-1 (Cat Finalyson)

- NZ HERALD STAFF