Belgium’s Red Panthers overpower USA in Antwerp

Belgium’s women produced a dominant display to emerge comfortable winners against a youthful but energetic USA team, with the Red Panthers powering to a 3-0 FIH Hockey Pro League victory in Antwerp.

It was Belgium’s second win of their 2020-21 campaign, with the team remainnig seventh in the standings but having improved their win percentage to 33.3 percent. USA remain bottom of the FIH Hockey Pro League table.

Fielding no fewer than five debutants, the Americans – playing their first FIH Hockey Pro League fixture since February 2020 due to the impact of the covid-19 global health pandemic – found themselves defending for large parts of the game, with the hosts dominating possession and territory whilst also creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities. Striker Ambre Ballenghien could have easily had a first half hat-trick were it not for some brilliant goalkeeping from USA custodian Kelsey Bing, who was beaten only once in the first two quarters when Abi Raye deflected home from close range.

Belgium continued to dominate after the break and added goals thanks to a Tiphaine Duquesne penalty corner before Reye netted her second of the match two minutes from the end of the contest.

"I think we should be very happy with this game, there are lots of positive to take from it”, said Belgium midfielder Judith Vandermeiren, who was named Player of the Match. “It was nice for the team to have a rhythm again, as it has been a long time since we played together. I'm happy to have the three points today."

On the return to international action of goalkeeper Aisling D'Hooghe just months after having her first child, Vandermeiren said: "I'm super happy for her, that she played her first game [since giving birth]. She is still one of the best goalkeepers in the world, so I'm happy to have her back in the team."

USA captain Amanda Magadan said: "It has been a long time since we were able to play an international hockey game, so it was really fun to get back out there on the pitch. We have some things to work on, some learnings to take from this game, so that is good that we can go back now and watch the film [of the match] and come back out strong tomorrow."

More information can be found by clicking here.

The two nations will take to the field in Antwerp for a second time on Sunday 16 May.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on the FIH Hockey Pro League via the Watch.Hockey app, event website and through FIH social media channels - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

FIH Hockey Pro League
Saturday 15 May 2021 – Antwerp (BEL)

Women
Belgium 3, USA 0 [Match 1 of 2]
Player of the Match: Judith Vandermeiren (BEL)
Umpires: Laurine Delforge (BEL), Celine Martin-Schmets (BEL) and Michelle Meister (GER - video)