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World number ten United States posted their second straight victory, piping Uruguay 3-0 in the fourth and final women’s Hockey World League Round 2 tournament being played in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
But the win for the United States did not come on a platter as they had to slog for the three points, which puts them in a good position to make it to the semifinal round.
Uruguay did start proceedings on a promising note, forcing two early penalty corners, but they failed to profit from it.
USA soon assumed control although the Uruguay defence held out firmly. The United States muffed up as many as four penalty corners chances.
They did make amends for all their short corner slip-ups when they made the most of their fifth penalty corner.
Katie Reinprecht niftily deflected home a shot executed by Rachel Dawson.
Pumped by the opening goal, the United States went for the jugular but the Uruguayan backline nullified all their goal-scoring designs.
United States led 1-0 at half-time.
The United States pressed the attacking button even more consistently in the second stanza but they failed to crack the Uruguayan cage.
The United States were granted a big favour by the Uruguay goalkeeper Rossana Passele, who committed a foul which resulted in a penalty stroke. Lauren Pfeiffer showed nerves of steel as she sent the ball high past the Uruguayan goal-tender.
Emily Wold hammered the final nail in the Uruguayan coffin in the dying moments as United States eased home 3-0 after the early resistance.
In another match, Chile trounced Trinidad & Tobago 6-0.
Chile went ahead in the 3rd minute through Carolina Garcia. They held possession for most part even as Trinidad & Tobago created few chances in between.
Chile enhanced the lead in the 30th minute through Mariana de Jesus Lagos. Captain Javiera Vilagra made it 3-0 for Chile a minute later.
Chile led 3-0 at the break.
Javiera Vilagra struck again early in the second half to make the scoreline 4-0.
Paula Infante sounded the board twice later in the second half to seal a 6-0 win.
In the third game of the day, Scotland crushed hosts Brazil 7-0.
Vikki Bunce and Linda Clement struck twice while Aileen Davis Holly Cram and Ali Bell completed the rout.
