The United States enters the gold medal match against the Czech Republic coming off arguably their biggest victory ever; an emotional 3-2 win over Canada less than 24 hours earlier. The Czech Women defeated Slovakia 2-0 in the other semi-final and have used the energy from their incredible Czech fans well throughout the tournament.
The U.S. entered the game on their greatest run ever in the WC!
The U.S. contained the scoring chances and therefore the energy from the Czech crowd well in the first period. Early in the 2nd, Czech Republic was forced to take a penalty early on and the United States pounced, with a perfectly executed pass to the backpost of a streaking Kelly Foley and the U.S. were on the board. Denisa Krizova got to work mid-way through the 2nd period with a beautiful goal from off a backhander in front past Bekkering.
Katerina Nemcova put the Czech women ahead early in the 2nd on the power play off a deflected shot, but the U.S. women answered right back as they’ve done all tournament, with Danielle Strohmier less than a minute later. Lucie Kubinova put the Czech Republic back on top minutes later with a far-side shot of the right wing and they found themselves pressing the U.S. The U.S. then pulled Bekkering with less than a minute to go and Tiffany Pfundt found a rebound in front and tied it for the U.S! Unbelievable, as they game headed to headed to a sudden-death overtime.
The Czech Republic pulled out a historic win in front of their home crowd!
