Thrilling Penalty Tiebreaker Victory which crowned a Great Contest
At the World Aquatics USA Women U20 Water Polo World Championships in Salvador, Brazil the USA Women’s U20 water polo team won an exciting 15-14 victory over Greece in a close fought penalty shootout. That victory was very hard earned in a tight match which had both teams tied at 10-10 going into the regulation time. In the shoot out it was a see saw action, which Team USA’s goalie Christine Carpenter dominated as she made 3 consecutive game changing saves, which set the stage for Rosalie Hassett to score the game winner. That win was a display of the young American team’s great perseverance and ability to perform at their best when it mattered most. 1
Offensive Powerhouse Led by Emily Ausmus
Team USA’s attack was dominated by Emily Ausmus who put in a great performance for which she scored six goals in the match. She played big in holding out our end together when Greece were the first to go in on top in the game. Her ability to hit back and score huge goals which included a side arm wonder goal that put us up at the end added to her star status as our leading go getter. Also putting in strong performances were Julia Bonaguidi, Rosalie Hassett, Allison Cohen, and Charlotte Raisin which in turn displayed our team’s quality at the attack.
Strong Defensive and Goalkeeping Performance
Goalie Christine Carpenter won the player of the match award for her fantastic 15 saves which included the decisive 3 stops during the penalty shootout. From the other side, Greek goalie N. Kyriakopoulou recorded 11 saves, but out standing performance by Carpenter in the shoot out was the key to the result. Also in defense Team USA did very well at key times which made it to the penalty round although they were under a lot of offensive pressure from the Greeks.
Game Flow: A see saw struggle
The game had very see saw scores and intense action. At the start Greece did very well, they scored the first goal and at one stage had a lead of 4-2. The U.S. came back with some key goals which reduced the gap and at half time Greece were only ahead 6-4. In the third quarter play became even more physical and aggressive, both teams went after it more. The U.S. was able to tie the score at 8-8 but Greece went back in front. In the final quarter Emily Ausmus’ great play seeing the U.S. take the lead twice before Greece tied it up and we went to a shootout.
Penalty Shootout Drama
During the penalty shoot out play saw an increase in tension as both teams went toe to toe in the early rounds. USA’s Emily Ausmus and Rosalie Hassett broke through first, also Julia Bonaguidi and Allison Cohen got in on the action for the Americans. The keepers were fantastic stopping many of the penalties. That said the turning point came when Carpenter recorded three straight saves which in turn set the stage for Hassett’s winner. That moment really brought out the competitive spirit and mental strength of the USA team.
Championship setting and also that of the win
The U20 World Championships is a premier international stage which puts forward the best young water polo talent from all over the world, we see this event held every two years under the World Aquatics’ aegis. The USA team’s defeat of Greece, a top team in the field, boosts their confidence and position in the competition which in turn sets the stage for what is to come. This win is a big one as it shows the talent which is coming through in USA Water Polo’s development programs and their ability to do well on the world stage under pressure.
Looking Ahead: Next game vs Italy
Following that great victory Team USA takes on Italy in the next group stage match. From the Greece win we see Team USA’s confidence grow as they go for more of the same in Salvador. With the powerful attack which includes Ausmus and solid defense which is anchored by Carpenter in goal the USA team is in a good spot to for the title.
At the U20 World Championships that was a great performance which displayed the talent, willpower and team play of the USA women’s water polo team. Also they proved that they can handle tough matches and perform under pressure which is very good news for the future of American water polo in the world stage.
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