US Team Ends Pool Play With Loss

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Aug. 6, 2012

The U.S. suffered a 7-0 setback at the hands of South Africa this morning at Riverbank Arena in London’s Olympic Park.

The South African team was on the attack most of the match, logging 27 shots and scoring seven goals. The United States had six shots, including an attempt by UVa’s Paige Selenski after a penalty corner in the 62nd minute of play. Cavalier teammate Michelle Vittese drew a foul in the circle to set up a USA Penalty corner late in the game, but the South African goalie saved the ensuing shot by Claire Laubach.

The loss drops the U.S. to a record of 1-4, while South Africa improves to a 1-4 record and ranks above the U.S. by goal differential. The South Africans needed to win by six to rise above the U.S., and led by that much by the 53rd minute. The Americans had won or lost their previous matches by one goal, and conceded only six altogether before being stunned by the South African team.

The U.S. will play in their final Olympic match on Friday, August 10 at 3:30 a.m. Eastern Time, taking on Belgium in the contest to determine the eleventh place finisher. Belgium wrapped up Group A pool play with two points after tying China 0-0 and Japan 1-1.