(Rick Gustafson photo)
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“We took some risks, strategically,” women’s ‘A’ coach Martha Daines said.
“For only having a few days together, I was happy with the way we played overall. We worked well together and our defense was effective. We also had a couple of nice runs, but we just couldn’t get the ball across the line when we needed to.”
Battling through some very tough conditions early on, the US dominated possession throughout the first half, but missed some key opportunities to put points on the board.
Conversely, while Canada didn't have a whole lot of possession throughout, they were able to score while down one player in the middle of the first half, to take the lead 7-0.
The weather made play a bit sloppy, forcing the UK referee to use her whistle a great deal in the first half.
Needless to say, neither team got much of a flow going in those first 40 minutes, unable to string together much more than a couple phases before the ball was either was dropped, knocked on or there was an infraction in the ruck, and both teams inevitably went into break a bit frustrated and determined to turn it around in the second half.
The Americans were able to get a bit of momentum back on their side early after half and in the 45th minute the US forced a turnover just outside Canada’s 22, which led to a quick dish to Hanna Stolba. Stolba touched it down and Desiree Markovich converted to bring the score to 7-7 with 35 minutes remaining.
In those 35, however, it was all about the penalty kicks as Canada’s Andrea Burke looked to put her team ahead, first by attempting a 43m kick and then later, one from just outside the 22. Burke was able to slot the latter to put the visitors up by three, while the US missed one shortly thereafter.
The US found themselves down one person at a crucial time, and although Canada missed that penalty kick as well, the US would not be able to recover. Two closely missed US scoring opportunities later, and both sides were running out of time.
After a penalty by Canada, the USA made a good kick into touch. The USA chose a quick lineout and almost capitalized by scoring in the corner, however, a very questionable knock on was called and that would end the USA’s offense dead in its track.
Canada also had a few breakaways, but the USA’s back line was able to scramble and contain them. On one such break as time wound down, Amy Daniels intercepted a pass, but was brought down after a 20 meter run.
Following some aggressive USA rucking, Canada was called for offsides and the US was allowed one more penalty kick. That one fell short and the whistle blew, dashing the American’s hopes for an undefeated Can-Am series.
The USA women’s side will face the Canadian women on Saturday, June 27 at 6pm (MT).
Tickets to both matches are just $15 or you can buy 11 tickets for the price of 10. Children under 12 get in free. Tickets are on sale now!
The Can-Am matches in Colorado will be the first of five matches this summer, as the team kicks off its journey towards the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2010, which is held in England next August and September.
The US women will see their remaining games in the Nations Cup in Toronto in August.
USA 7
Tries: Stolba
Conversions: Markovich
USA Lineup: 1. Libby Berg (Katherine Weber in at 44:06); 2. Kitt Wagner (Lisa Butts in at 29:02) 3. Stacy Baker; 4. Jenny Menke; 5. Anna Brown (Stacey Bridges in at 56:06); 6. Mel Denham (Janay Lake in at 62:02); 7. Ida Berstein; 8. Kate Daley; 9. Ramey Marshall (Katie Hertel in at 40:00), 10. Hannah Stolba; 11. Desiree Markovich; 12. Emilie Bydwell; 13. Amy Daniels; 14. Katie Dowty: 15. Christy Ringgenberg; 16. Katherine Weber; 17. Stacy Bridges; 18. Lisa Butts; 19. Janay Lake; 20. Katie Hertel 21. Brenna Costello; 22. Kristy Lear
Canada 10
Tries: Hilditch
Conversion: Burke
Penalties: Burke