Lausanne, Switzerland – On the second night of Pro League action in Santiago del Estero, Argentina the visiting Australian sides split their night. In the men’s competition, first-half goals from Tim Brand and Cooper Burns gave the Kookaburras the edge over the Leones. Closing out the evening, the homeside Leonas found redemption from their last-night loss to Belgium with a 2-1 win over the Hockeyroos. Agustina Gorzelany’s game-winner put her into the top tables as a co-leader of the top goal scorers on the women’s side.
(Men’s) Argentina 0 – 2 Australia
An energetic Australian side secured victory over Argentina with a goal in each of the first two quarters. Tim Brand opened the scoring with a simple deflection after Craig Marais showed patience and control on the baseline. In the 26th minute, Marais collided with Argentina defender Thomas Habif in a fierce battle for the ball, allowing Cooper Burns a golden opportunity. Burns seized the moment, finishing brilliantly on the backhand to double the Kookaburras’ lead to 2-0.
Argentina’s best chance came when Bautista Capurro fired a close-range shot, but despite his pace beating keeper Ashleigh Thomas, the ball struck the post. A video referral later overturned a penalty stroke initially awarded to Argentina, summing up their frustrations. While Argentina generated more circle entries, their efficiency in front of goal was lacking.
Both keepers were busy in the third quarter but held firm. Capurro had another promising moment, receiving a long ball at the top of the Australian circle, but his spectacular turn and strike soared over the net. The fourth quarter continued in similar fashion, with both teams pressing forward but failing to convert penalty corners. Ultimately, Australia’s first-half dominance was enough to seal the victory for the visitors.
Australia’s Ky Willott was named player of the match and said: “It was a fiery, heated match. It was a defensive battle in the end but we came out strong with a pleasing performance. It was hard in the second half even when the sun went down and it was cooler it still got hotter as it went on. We are happy to come out on top.”
(Women’s) Argentina 2 – 1 Australia
The Leonas found redemption following their loss to Belgium the night before, securing a 2-1 victory over the visiting Hockeyroos. Argentina struck first, catching Australia off guard with a powerful hit from Sofia Toccalino on the right sideline. Her pass sliced through the circle, finding Brisa Bruggesser unmarked at the back post for a fantastic finish to make it 1-0. Grace Young earned Australia a penalty corner late in the opening quarter, but a messy delivery kept her side off the board.
Argentina pressed for a second and were rewarded after Maria Granatto’s relentless effort lead to a turnover high up the pitch, which quickly lead to a penalty corner. Agustina Gorzelany converted with a less-than-perfect flick but a touch off the post player beat the Australian keeper to extend the Leonas lead to 2-0. The Hockeyroos had their chances, with Abby Wilson missing a penalty corner opportunity and Jade Smith firing wide on a free-play blast.
In the fourth quarter, Australia finally broke through after a blistering acceleration and drive into the circle, that set up Jade Smith to redirect and bring the visitors within one. The Hockeyroos continued to push, forcing Argentina’s keeper, Cristina Cosentino, into a series of crucial saves. Determined to erase memories of the previous night’s loss, Cosentino held firm, securing Argentina’s 2-1 win and a hard-fought home victory.
Argentina’s Eugenia Trinchinetti was named player of the match and said: “I think that we believed in our team. Yesterday was not a really good game for us but today we had a good video session and so we did really great work tonight.”
Current Hero Top Scorers:
Women – Freeke Moes (NED), Yibbi Jansen (NED), Jinzhuang Tan (CHN), Stephanie Vanden Borre (BEL), Agustina Gorzelany (ARG) (4 goals)
Men –Tom Boon (BEL) (11 goals)
To see the current standings in the FIH Hockey Pro League, click here.
FIH Hockey Pro League – 20 February 2025
Santiago del Estero Hockey Club, Santiago del Estero, Argentina (ARG)
Women
Result: Match 26 (W)
Argentina 2 – 1 Australia
Player of the match: Eugenia Trinchinetti (ARG)
Umpires: Sophie Bockelmann (GER), Raphael Adrien (GER), Maggie Giddens (USA-video)
Men
Result: Match 26 (M)
Argentina 0 - 2 Australia
Player of the match: Ky Willott (AUS)
Umpires: Sean Edwards (ENG), Darren Hubach (RSA), Maggie Giddens (USA-video)
