USA comeback undoes Ireland in penultimate FIH Hockey World Cup outing

Ireland led in the first quarter thanks to a Niamh Carey deflection, but three unanswered goals in quarters two, three and four saw USA secure the win.

A place in the 9th/10th ranking match was still a possibility for both Ireland and the USA as they entered their last Pool H clash, with both needing in a win in order to top the pool.

Ireland got an early breakthrough when Emily Kealy released Aisling Utri high and wide, who fired an inch-perfect reverse into the circle for Niamh Carey to deflect into the back of the net.

The USA, though, won a penalty corner with three minutes to play in the half. Their initial effort was well saved but they worked the ball back into the Irish circle where Lucy Adams found the space to shoot at goal and bring her side level.

The half-time break appeared to breathe life into Ireland again as they won another set of penalty corners, but were denied on both occasions. The USA, though, tipped the balance of play in their favour in the latter stages of quarter three as they won a series of penalty corners, the fourth of which ended in their second courtesy of a Mia Schoenbeck dragflick.

USA then extended their lead to two in the final quarter to seal the win through an Abigail Tamer reverse stick shock.

The result sees Ireland remain in third in Pool H meaning they will now take on South Africa on Thursday in the 13th/14th ranking match.