Devastation For Ireland As They Fall To A Crushing Defeat Against The USA

There was disappointment for the Irish women’s hockey team on Saturday as they fell to a 6-1 defeat at the hands of the USA. The girls in green were contesting the 5^th-8^th place playoffs as they continued their bid for an Olympic spot. However, they came face to face with an equally determined and strong USA side in Valencia. Now, Ireland will contest the seventh and eighth place playoff on Sunday in the final game in the knowledge that they are no longer in the running for a qualifying spot in Rio 2016. Ireland will play on Sunday morning. USA had made it 4-0 by the third quarter before a brilliant Anna O’Flanagan goal pulled one back for Ireland. However, it was too little too late as two further goals from the opposition sealed their victory. Irish coach Darren Smith stated afterwards that it was a ‘devastating’ end to a tournament that had been full of brilliant performances. “The girls put their heart and soul into this tournament, trying to get an Irish team to the Olympics,” he said. “Today, we weren’t at the races. Against China, we were. We were devastated after China. It’s hard to say how much of an impact that had." The side has done their country proud in the tournament. “The psychological side of things will be the hardest tomorrow,” he continued. “Not just the loss, but the nature of the loss. We were well beaten but we’ll work hard and understand that we are representing our country. “We have to man up and be ready to go; seventh is better than eighth.” It's been an emotional rollercoaster for Ireland. The Irish game kicks off on Sunday morning (June 21^st) at 10.30am Irish time. All images via the Irish Hockey Association/Facebook.