After all the hype, anticipation, tension, and actual competitions, has now ended, it was the Netherlands, in women’s field hockey, standing on the podium adorning the gold medal.
USA Field Hockey saw its return to the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the United Eagles finished No. 9 in the world. While the Olympic squad didn’t make it to the podium, the athletes and coaches took a huge step forward after eight sluggish years.
Being No. 9 is no small feat.
What did we learn about the 2024 Paris Olympics? Many things.
Here’s how we see it:
No. 1
One of the most obvious points about international field hockey is that there are many fans who think we’re watching college field hockey in an Olympic stadium. Our sources told us that any American collegiate team placed in that arena would’ve been immediately flattened by their opponent.
We agree.
There are so many tactical plays at play. Youthful enthusiasm is a great superpower, but not when your opponent’s superpower is rock solid experience.
No. 2
The exposure of the game, when there are so many other female sports that currently receive a lot of press, matters. It was a thing of beauty to see both Jason and Kylie Kelce supporting Team USA.
FAN isn’t making a statement about pro-football, or the Philadelphia Eagles and wives, merely pointing out that women’s athletic teams that have celebrity support attracts more attention.
Kylie will coach her Pennsylvania high school field hockey team this Fall.
No. 3
USA did its best with what they know. There were bursts of genius, and there is growth in motion.
The Netherlands loves to execute a long ball, but it’s also not a hit and hope ball. It has purpose.
And, that hit is often an accurately crushed blazing ball landing directly inside the circle near baseline or post, where the Netherlands’ defender or midfielder is looking for a post player, or a tipper, parked within 5 meters of the goalie.
Those plays are designed to happen within the blink of an eye.
USA tried to model the same play. The United Eagles used it effectively in their game against Spain, when Ashley Hoffman made a defensive save look effortless.
She stopped a penalty corner shot on the endline and then transitioned from coast to coast, quick passes, to Megan Valzonis up the field, who crossed the ball in front of USA’s offensive cage.
It didn’t burn excess running, passing works. Phia Gladieux finished the turnover/transition by placing the ball in the cage.
Looking at the backline structure, they retreated when under pressure and when there weren’t enough defensive numbers inside the 23 meter, or more specifically, in the circle.
The cadence of both Australia, and Great Britain, was that of turn and burn. When those teams saw they had the numbers, they ran toward the goal with them. USA had very few options in these scenarios; the United Eagles seemingly played conservatively to try to slow down the play.
Doing that gave goalkeeper Kelsey Bing a clear chance to see the ball and a greater chance of stopping a shot instead of having to manage an additional two offensive players, while the third carrying the ball is darting toward her. As the goalie, she only had one defender back to help her.
No. 4
Is the debate over Erin Matson still happening? No one person would’ve changed the outcome of those games.
Matson attended the Olympics, supported Team USA, and apparently gained inspiration and support while she was there, according to her ‘X’ posts.
She has seemingly taken the high road. And, we can only hope that all of us have gained a better understanding of the kind of commitment that USA Field Hockey is seeking and that it remains consistent.
No. 5
The umpires were outstanding, period. It’s not uncommon to see one man and one woman work a pitch together in America during the Fall college and high school season, as well as during off-season adult leagues and club games.
Seeing it hit the mainstream was cool. But, it was also great to see two women umpire the gold medal game for women and two men umpire the gold medal game for men.
Cheers.
No. 6
The surface was reportedly watered less than previous water-based turf Olympic experiences. More to come on this, as we learn about it. Regardless of the direction that the FIH takes on this, less water use or back to normal use, water-based turf is vital to the international game. And, our athletes need more exposure playing on it.
No. 7
Having fans in the stand made a difference.
Female Athlete News believes in the fan experience and believes that fans play an integral part in the game. We’re not all going to see the same things; we’re all not going to agree; we’re all not going to manage our emotional moments the same. But, the buzz that an energized crowd brings to competition, there’s nothing better.
No. 8
There is still a lot of work to be done.
No. 9
LA28 isn’t far away. Without the pressure of having to qualify, we’re hoping that USA Field Hockey and all the athletes who have a hunger to represent their country raise the level of competition here in the United States.
USA record: 1-1-3
USA vs Argentina
1-4
USA vs Spain
1-1
USA vs Australia
0-3
USA vs Great Britain
2-5
USA vs South Africa
1-0
Thank you for reading Female Athlete News.
