Hockey – Scotland v USA – The Atlantic Series, Match 2

USA square series with win in Match 2

USA contained Scotland’s men on Monday night as they won the second match in the series of three to take it to a decider on Wednesday.

The first quarter was a fairly dreary affair with neither side proving much of a threat to the other, despite differing approaches to the game. Scotland seemed to be depending on a slow build-up from the back to secure territory, while the USA, for their part, were more direct, but still failed to make many inroads.

The breakthrough came by way of the US’s ‘direct’ approach when, with Scotland defending high, Paul Singh fired the ball from his own half to find Sean Cicchi (top) lurking in the Scot’s D. ‘All’ he had to do then slam the ball on his reverse past the keeper and into the net for the lead after 12 minutes of play.

A few minutes later it could have been two, but nobody managed to get on the end of a ball driven across the front of Scottish goal.

Scotland then had a chance to score, but Cameron Golden’s shot from the top of the area was deflected over the goal.

Reward came the Scot’s way in the 24^th minute following sustained pressure from the US, when a penalty corner award was seen home by Tim Atkins, his drag-flick finding the bottom corner for 1-1.

However, the USA were beginning to dominate proceedings and, as the Scots persisted in their style of play, another fierce drive into the area was deflected into the net by the visitors’ Jonathan Orozco for 2-1 and the lead at the half-time break.

The first quarter of the second half was very much like the first, but a touch more active. Scotland’s build-up was, again, measured, but with more pace and this lead to a few more chances to penetrate the opposition’s area, but lack of control or a defender always managed to get in the way and the attacks broke down. The USA, while continuing to look for the long ball, had taken to the air and several aerials had caught the Scots’ defence on the back foot, but again, nothing much came of their play.

The 39^th minute saw the fourth goal of the match, but, much to the dismay of the home support, it was a goal for the USA which put the match pretty much beyond reach. A fine save at the near post by Scotland keeper, Tommy Alexander, couldn’t be sufficiently well cleared and another driven ball was nicked past Alexander by USA’s Pat Harris for 3-1.

Despite both sides ramping up their individual skill displays, neither side were especially threatening in the fourth quarter and the USA took a fine, containing win to take the three match series down to a winner-takes-all final encounter on Wednesday.

Images from the match will appear here over the next few days.