PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -  July 24, 2018 - For three intense action-packed days, the top twelve women’s and eight men’s adult club teams in the United States competed in the 2nd annual USFHL Adult National Championship, played at the Proving Grounds and Drexel Vidas Complex in Philadelphia. It ended with Philly Premier against NYCFHC in the women’s championship game and Greenwich versus NYCFHC in the men’s championship game. 

The women’s national championship match was one for the history books. Philly Premier scored twice in the first half, but NYCFHC never let down and scored twice in the second half. Their second goal came after time expired from a corner goal by Katie Brady.

“I had the same opportunity in my college National Championship game and missed the goal," said Brady. "I asked my team for redemption.”

That grit led to the goal that sent the game to a shootout. Both goalkeepers Sam Carlino of Philly Premier and Kristi Troch from NYCFHC were formidable forces in the goal. After six rounds, it was Nicole Winchel who scored the winning goal for NYCFHC. “I appreciated the experience because it gives women and men the chance to continue winning national titles in the United States,” said Winchel. Congratulations to NYCFHC on their 2018 USFHL Adult National Championship title!

On the men's side it was NYCFHC and Greenwich who battled through intense and close pool play games to compete in the national championship match. These clubs have plenty of history of competing against each other and everyone could feel the intensity in the air. It was Oliver Goldstein of Greenwich who scored the sole game winning goal off an assist from Rik Walschot. 

“We had been working on this in training and I made my run knowing Rik would set me up perfectly,” commented Goldstein. Congratulations to Greenwich FHC on defending their USFHL Adult National title!

In the women's bronze medal match, DC Dragons played the Greenwich Rovers, the defending 2017 national champions. With less than a minute into the game, Andrea Cardozo scored for the DC Dragons. The teams battled at 1-0 until DC Dragons put in three more goals in the last 15 minutes of the game ending at 4-0. Congratulations to DC Dragons on their bronze victory!

The men’s bronze game was between San Jose Khalsa (SJK) and Minuteman. The game was an intense back and forth affair, with SJK scoring first and Minuteman playing catchup, but it was Malachi Mahan who scored the game winning goal, giving SJK the 3-2 bronze medal victory!

All-Star teams were made from each team competing. Players were nominated by their respective captains to compete in a co-ed East vs. West competition.

2018 USFHL Nationals MVPs, presented by Anikan Sports

Women - Lien Holsboer, #11 from DC Dragons

Men - Nanu Sidhu #9, San Jose Khalsa

The USFHL Adult National Championship was sponsored by Anikan Sports, RXBAR, Motive Pure, Penn Monto, Astroturf and GreAT Signs. Below is a full list of the teams that qualified locally to compete in the USFHL National Championship: 

Men's Teams

Women's Teams

For every tournament game recap visit the USFHL Facebook page.

The United States Field Hockey League (USFHL) seeks to grow adult field hockey engagement and participation in local adult clubs, associations, leagues, tournaments, and open pick-up field hockey throughout the United States. The structure focuses on growing and supporting adult club participation in local field hockey communities. However, the overall mission is to grow and support all United States adult field hockey with marketing, technology, and events to improve organization and ease of participation.

For more info check out the USFHL website, follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Also check out coverage from Phila Field Hockey Facebook and Twitter @philafh. For questions email info@usfhl.com to find out how your community can get plugged in for 2019.