Slattery Scores as Hockeyroos Suffer Champions Trophy Defeat

The Hockeyroos have suffered their first defeat of the 2016 Champions Trophy after losing 2-1 to Argentina in a hard fought match in London.

A late goal to WAIS scholarship athlete Kat Slattery halved a deficit Argentina had built through goals to Noel Barrionuevo and Carla Rebecci, but despite a number of chances, the Australians could not force a second for a share of the spoils.

The defeat follows an opening draw with the USA and a win over New Zealand, with the Champions Trophy the last major tournament before the Olympic Games.

Head coach Adam Commens was pleased with his side’s application, even in defeat and believes the group are on the right path for Rio.

“It was obviously disappointing to not get the result, but I thought the way that we played and conducted ourselves was encouraging.”

“I thought we still created more than enough chances to score more than one goal and we were a little bit unlucky with the video referral. We need to clarification on that, but ultimately we’re headed in the right direction.

“If we’re going to win in Rio we need to make the most of the chances we get not only with field chances but with penalty corners.”

The Hockeyroos next face reigning Olympic champion the Netherlands on Friday before completing their preliminary fixtures with a match against hosts Great Britain.