After taking an early lead, the United States women’s hockey team couldn’t quite hold on against its neighbors to the north.
The American squad lost to Canada 3-2 this morning in a preliminary round meeting at the Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
The U.S. took a 1-0 lead late in the second period on a goal by Hilary Knight, who tipped in a shot from former Golden Gopher and St. Cloud native Anne Schleper. But the Canadians quickly stormed back.
Canada’s five-time Olympian Hayley Wickenheiser scored a goal of her own, and assisted on one of teammate Meghan Agosta’s two third-period goals. That turned the Americans’ one-goal advantage into a 3-1 deficit.
Wickenheiser’s goal gave the Canadians a 2-1 lead, but it didn’t go without controversy. U.S. goalie Jessica Vetter appeared to stop Wickenheiser’s shot, but the puck squirted from underneath Vetter and into the goal. But, according to the Star Tribune, the officials blew their whistles before the puck crossed the goal line. The goal was reviewed to no avail.
Schleper gave the U.S. a chance late. With just 1:05 remaining in the contest, she fired a slap shot into the back of the net for her second point of the game. But the U.S. wasn’t able to muster the game-tying score in those final 65 seconds.
With the win, Canada earned the No. 1 seed in its group. The U.S. takes the No. 2 seed and will face Russia in the quarterfinal round Thursday.
According to USA Today, it’s still likely the U.S. and Canada will meet again in the gold medal game.
Players called it typical game with Canada. Intense, physical, fast paced. Entertaining game to watch. A repeat gold medal game would be fun
— Chip Scoggins (@chipscoggins) February 12, 2014
Canada coach Kevin Dineen on rivalry: "This one is the real deal."
— Chip Scoggins (@chipscoggins) February 12, 2014
