Seul Ki Cheon’s penalty corner game-winning goal in the 65th minute guides Korea to victory and the 2010 World Cup; as host USA finished in second place and Belgium finished in third.In front of a large crowd in San Diego, California, USA, Korea and host USA played in the final match of the ATAHolding Qualifier, for first and second place; and most importantly, an at-large bid to the 2010 World Cup in Rosario, Argentina.
From the opening whistle the match was a hard fought battle between two strong teams.
In the first half, Korea held the slight edge in possession and attacking pressure and in the second half it was the USA. The first score came late in the first half off a Jongeun Kim penalty corner goal that put the halftime score at Korea 1, USA nill.
In the second half, a penalty corner goal by USA Captain Carrie Lingo tied the match 1-1 in the 43rd minute.
After tying the match, host USA carried the momentum and attacking pressure for must of the rest of the half.
Seul Ki Cheon’s penalty corner goal in the 65th minute gave Korea the 2-1 lead and also changed the momentum of match. The USA’s Lauren Crandall was awarded a yellow card in the 68th minute.
A minute later, Korea’s Kim notched her second goal of the match off a field goal to make the final score Korea 3, USA 1.
Following the final match, a series of tournament awards were handed out. Top scorer: Sofie Gierts (BEL); Player of the tournament: Mihyun Park (KOR); Best goalkeeper: Amy Tran (USA); Best young player: Anna Kozniuk (CAN) and; Fair play trophy: Mexico (team).
