July 28, 1999

WINNIPEG, Manitoba - The U.S. National Field Hockey Team upset host Canada 1-0 at the Pan Am Games on Tuesday.

Former Maryland field hockey standouts Kate Kauffman and Christine DeBow were in the starting lineup, as was Virginia All-American Michelle Vizzuso.

Current Maryland junior Carla Tagliente, who is the youngest member of the U.S. National Team, also saw action as a reserve.

Kris Fillat scored off a penalty corner four minutes into the second half and from there, the U.S. team was able to hold on for the victory. The Americans improved their record to 2-0 heading into Thursday’s game against Argentina, which is scheduled to begin at 6 pm MST. The Canadians fell to 1-2.

Only the gold medal winner gets an automatic bid to the Sydney Olympics in 2000. With the win, the USA should finish in the top two and be in contention for the gold in the final day of competition. The Stars and Stripes will face the heavily favored Argentine team, the defending champions, on Thursday, July 29.

The 1999 Pan Am Games marks the fourth consecutive year Kauffman has played on the U.S. National team and the third straight year DeBow has been on the squad. Tagliente was on the 1997 U.S. National Team and was a reserve last season.