Shanghai, China – June 9 – The USA Women’s National Team finished group play undefeated at the FINA World League Super Final after they downed Spain 12-10. Kiley Neushul (Goleta, CA/Stanford/Santa Barbara) scored four goals to lead the offensive attack while Ashleigh Johnson (Miami, FL/Princeton/NYAC) and Sami Hill (Santa Barbara, CA/UCLA/Santa Barbara) split time in net stopping five shots. Team USA now advances to the quarterfinal round where they will take on Russia at 5:40pm local time/2:40am pt. The semifinal and final round of the FINA World League Super Final will air in the United States on beIN Sports 8. Cable authentication is required, visit beinsportsconnect.tv to access the stream.
The match against Spain was close throughout as Team USA took just a one goal lead after the first quarter leading 4-3. The scoring output was the same in the second quarter as the United States built an 8-6 lead at halftime. In the second half the defenses slowed things down as Team USA’s scoring was cut in half. In the third quarter each side scored twice leaving the United States ahead 10-8 going to the fourth. The United States was able to hold off a Spain rally in the fourth quarter scoring two more goals to match two from Spain to pick up the two goal victory at 12-10.
Team USA went 5/10 on power plays and 1/1 on penalty shots while Spain went 5/8 on power plays and 0/1 on penalty shots. Maggie Steffens (Danville, CA/Stanford/NYAC) added three goals in the victory. “I still think we can be better defensively but I was pleased we found a way to win,” said USA Head Coach Adam Krikorian.
Scoring
USA 12 (4, 4, 2, 2) K. Neushul 4, M. Steffens 3, K. Clark 2, M. Musselman 1, R. Fattal 1, A. Fischer 1
ESP 10 (3, 3, 2, 2)
Saves – USA – A. Johnson 3, S. Hill 2
6×5 – USA – 5/10 – ESP – 5/8
Penalties – USA – 1/1 – ESP – 0/1
USA Water Polo contributed this report.