The USA women’s team has had a mixed bag of results in the FIH Pro League so far, putting in a typically battling performance to draw 2-2 with the world number four team, Argentina, and then losing to the Netherlands as the Dutch turned on a masterclass in attacking play to win 5-0.
Speaking just after her team – ranked 12th in the FIH World Rankings – touched down in Australia for their third FIH Pro League match against the in-form world number three team, captain and long-serving member of the squad Kathleen Sharkey says she is conscious that for many of her players, this is the first time they have faced some of the world’s best players on the international stage.
“It was the first time playing Holland for many of our players, so it definitely provided a great learning experience. I think we played a strong second half against Holland, but it was unfortunate that we couldn’t bring that intensity and fight to the first half. Any weaknesses that you have are going to be very exposed against them.
“I think a key takeaway from both games has been the importance of everyone on the field doing their job for 60 minutes. Even if someone makes a mistake, we need to quickly react, adjust, and get back in the play. We need that focus and work rate from everyone for the entire game from start to finish.”
And for the thoughtful captain, this edition of the FIH Pro League is definitely a learning experience, both for the newer recruits to the squad and for multi-capped players like herself (currently 150 caps): “I’ve been enjoying the Pro League so far. It’s great from a player’s perspective to be able to completely focus on one game and opponent at a time. Usually you are entering a tournament where you will play five or six different opponents.
“It’s been nice to have the time to fully debrief a game with video and conversations, and to discuss and analyse your opponent without having to think too much about your next game. I think we’ve been able to learn so much and make some key steps forward and I think we’ve shown glimpses of that already in our first two games.
“Take the game against Argentina for example. We stuck to our game plan really well and were able to get an early lead. We knew they’d keep fighting and creating chances and unfortunately they were able to tie the game. Overall the game provided some key lessons to our group, but we were happy to leave Argentina with a point.”
The team is now undergoing the next big learning curve as they work to overcome the effects of long distance travel and prepare for their encounter with Australia on 2 March in Sydney before flying across the Tasman Sea to face New Zealand on 8 March.
“We just completed the long travel to Australia,” says Sharkey. “And so right now we’re focusing on adjusting to the time change and getting our bodies recovered from the trip. We’re looking forward to playing a great opponent in front of a big crowd.”
