Ireland 5-1 USA
Ireland concluded their FIH Hockey Nations Cup by securing a second win over the USA on Saturday.
A Ben Nelson brace and goals for Alistair Empey, Greg Williams and Matthew Nelson were enough to see the side cruise to a 5-1 victory over the tournament debutants, ending their campaign on a high note.
Ireland began positively, Peter Brown testing Allard André de la Porte in the USA net. Ben Walker took aim next, but his effort went wide of the post.
Fergus Gibson earned his side the first penalty corner of the tie, but Ireland couldn’t execute from the opportunity and USA cleared. Ireland’s persistence eventually paid off as they attacked with purpose to work the ball to Nelson who fired into the roof of the net on his reverse stick.
Ireland doubled their lead when Alistair Empey had the space inside the circle to slap powerfully into the top corner.
Nelson got his second after recovering a bouncing delivery into the circle and striking on the half turn to add Ireland’s third with three minutes remaining in the half.
USA reduced the deficit just before half-time, winning a penalty corner and converting through Sekayi Charasika to make it 3-1 going into the break.
A patient start to the second half saw Ireland prioritise control and steady build-up as they looked to pick apart the USA’s deep block. The USA did well to avoid giving away easy chances, and enjoyed a breakaway opportunity, forcing Luke Roleston into a save.
Ali Empey though came closest to scoring in the early stages of Q3, but his strike was saved.
Ireland finally found their fourth just before the end of the quarter. Ben Walker drove well towards the circle before being fouled to secure a penalty corner which allowed Greg Williams the chance to flick into the back of the net.
Early in the final quarter, the USA broke through Charasika earing yet another penalty corner, which Luke Roleston saved once again. Ireland settled, working the ball into the circle with relative ease, with an outcome finally coming as Ben Nelson won a penalty corner, which Ireland couldn’t convert.
Evan Jennings came within inches of getting Ireland’s fifth, and opening his international account, but the faintest of touches from André de la Porte diverted it wide. The fifth did arrive for Ireland, courtesy of Matthew Nelson who struck with immense power on his reverse from a tight angle to find the back of the net and complete the scoring.
Ireland will now turn their attention to August when they travel to Wavre, Belgium to compete in the FIH Hockey World Cup. They’ve been drawn in Pool C alongside Australia, Spain and South Africa.
Ireland face Australia first up on Sunday 16 August.