In the eighth match against the Czech team, the American women maintained their invincibility, they gained a decisive lead in the second period.
The second match awaits the Czech team of Canadian coach Carly MacLeodová on Friday, when they will face Switzerland from 2:40 p.m.
The overseas players were, as expected, more active in the beginning. In the 2nd minute, Curlová got her first big chance, but she couldn’t beat goalkeeper Peslarová. Two minutes later, even Knight, who went over Tejralová in the captain’s duel, did not succeed, but she did not finish ideally.
The Czechs checked Frankelová only in the 7th minute, but Mlýnková’s shot did not cause problems for the American goalkeeper. The favorite controlled the match, gained the first numerical advantage in the 16th minute and took the lead.
Peslarová was able to deal with Edwards’ opportunity, but a few seconds later, Carpenter’s shot by Keller was deflected and the score changed for the first time after the USA player’s eleventh shot attempt. The goal was also seen by American vice president JD Vance, who came to the arena shortly before.
At the beginning of the second half, Plosová was close to equalizing by herself, but she only hit the crossbar. Subsequently, Janecke got a great chance, but she did not outwit Peslar. Nevertheless, Janecke continued the action and set up a goal for Dunne. And 83 seconds later, American Scamurra added another goal.
The Czechs then survived the second weakening, and in addition managed to reduce. Immediately after returning from the penalty bench, Juříčková got into an independent attack and took advantage of Mlýnková’s excellent pass.
The Czechs were encouraged by the goal and Mrázová or Mlýnková were close to the second success, but Frankelová kept the American team at bay. After that, when Vanišová did not aim accurately from a good position, the opponent prevailed again. Ten-time world champion Knight skated past Seroiszková and aimed right over Peslarová’s forehand.
The Czech team did not give up the match despite the unfavorable development, Křížová could have reduced it, but the Americans were happy again. After a boundary save on Trnková, Scamurra got to the puck and made her second goal in the match. Another goal was not seen by the spectators in the packed Rho Arena, which included US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Group A (Rho Arena):
USA – Czech Republic 5:1 (1:0, 3:1, 1:0)
Goals and assists: 16. Carpenter (Keller, Edwards), 24. Dunne (Janecke), 25. Scamurra (Janecke), 38. Knight (Carpenter, Bilka), 45. Scamurra (Pannek) – 29. Juříčková (Mlýnková). Referees: Kainbergerová (Austria), Todd – Murrayová (both Kan.), Lundgrenová (Sweden). Exclusion: 1:3. Usage: 1:0. Viewers: 3766.
USA: Frankel – Edwards, Keller, Winn, Harvey, Barnes, Stecklein, Guilday – Knight, Carpenter, Bilka – Murphy, Heise, Curl-Salemme – Simms, Pannek, Coyne Schofield – Zumwinkle, Janecke, Dunne – Scamurra. Coach: Wroblewski.
Czech Republic: Peslarová – Čajanová, Tejralová, Neubauerová, D. Pejšová, Lásková, Seroiszková, Trnková – Mlýnková, Mrázová, Vanišová – Plosová, Pejzlová, Křížová – Hymlárová, Kaltounková, Přibylová – Vocetková, Pištěková, Přibylová – Juříčková. Coach: Macleod.
