Aussies Firming in FIH Pro League Standings
Australia has moved into second place on the FIH Pro League standings in both men’s and women’s competitions following another successful weekend for the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos in Sydney.
Both teams secured wins – albeit over different nations – as they continue to capitalise on home-turf advantage before the international series heads to the northern hemisphere later in the year.
The Kookaburras defeated Spain 2-1, whilst the Hockeyroos recorded the same scoreline in their victory over the USA.
Kookaburras v Spain
The Kookaburras have secured hard-fought a 2-1 win over Spain at the FIH Pro League in Sydney on Saturday afternoon.
Led by in-form Daniel Beale who scored the winning goal early in the fourth term and New South Wales talent Lachi Sharp who scored the opening goal of the match, the Australians impressed in front of a strong Sydney crowd.
Goalkeeper Tyler Lovell returned to the side for his first match of the FIH Pro League following the birth of his first child and was exceptional all day, a number of saves late in the game helped to lock in the Kookaburras win.
Co-captain Aran Zalewski was named Player of the Match after an assured display, where the Kookaburras held on in the end.
Pau Quemada was Spain’s only goal scorer, finding a gap off the back post in the 26thminute of the match.
The win, Australia’s third for the season, puts the Kookaburras in a strong position heading into important matches against Argentina and New Zealand on the 16thand 17th of March in Sydney.
Hockeyroos v USA
The Hockeyroos have earned a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over the USA in front of 2,000 hockey fans at the FIH Pro League Match in Sydney on Saturday night.
USA opened the scoring through Danielle Grega in the first term and held onto a dangerous 1-0 lead for 39 minutes before Australia could hit the scoreboard.
Despite dominating the game the Hockeyroos couldn’t convert on any of their numerous opportunities and found themselves in a desperate position heading into the final term.
Breakthrough goals in the final quarter to Jodie Kenny and Mariah Williams solidified Australia’s tense comeback win.
Kenny made her impact in the 46th minute when she fired her best penalty corner flick for the day, rocketing the shot into the top-right corner of the net.
With the pressure mounting on team USA late in the game, Williams nailed a crucial goal in the 52nd minute off of a back stick pass from Emily Chalker, giving the Hockeyroos their first lead of the night.
USA’s Jessica Jecko was named Player of the Match after an outstanding day in the goals.
“I thought we were sluggish at the start. We were creating chances but they were half-chances. USA didn’t have many but they scored,” Hockeyroos Coach Paul Gaudoin said.
“Going into the second half we needed a lift in our urgency and quality and I thought we got that. The tide turned in our favour, so it was good to get a couple of goals.”
Saturday night’s win marks they Hockeyroos fourth regulation win of the FIH Pro League.
The side faces Argentina and New Zealand on the 16 and 17 of March in Sydney.