The United States completed an unbeaten summer home series with a dramatic 17-16 penalty shootout victory over Australia in Irvine on Sunday.

Team USA recovered from a five-goal deficit in the final quarter before Jewel Roemer scored with just seconds remaining to force penalties, where the Americans eventually prevailed after saves from both Christine Carpenter and Lauren Steele.

Australia had appeared firmly in control after an excellent third quarter. The teams were level at 2-2 after the opening period before the USA built a 6-4 half-time advantage, with Ryann Neushul scoring twice and Jenna Flynn converting from the penalty line.

The Stingers completely turned the contest around after the break, shutting out the hosts while scoring six unanswered goals to take a 10-6 lead into the fourth quarter.

Australia then extended the advantage to five, but the USA produced a remarkable comeback.

Flynn scored twice in quick succession before Neushul added another two goals, reducing Australia’s advantage to a single goal. Steele then made an important late save, giving the Americans one final possession with ten seconds remaining.

The USA switched to seven-on-six after a timeout and worked the ball to Roemer, who scored at the buzzer to level the game at 11-11 and force a shootout.

Australia were given an opportunity to win the contest after an American miss, but Carpenter was introduced and immediately saved the next Australian penalty.

Steele later returned to the goal and produced another stop before Roemer converted the decisive attempt to secure the 17-16 victory.

Flynn led the USA with five goals, while Neushul scored four and Roemer finished with three. Steele also recorded nine saves.

For Australia, Abby Williams scored four times, with Sienna Hearn adding three. Gabriella Palm made eight saves in goal.

The result completed a successful American home stand which included two previous victories over Australia, 9-5 in Atherton and 11-10 in San Jose. The series came shortly after the USA also defeated the Stingers 10-6 in the World Cup semi-finals in Sydney on their way to winning the title.

Result

USA 17-16 Australia after penalties (2-2, 4-2, 0-6, 5-1, 6-5)

USA: Flynn 5, Neushul 4, Roemer 3, Stryker 2, Fattal 1, Hassett 1, Healy 1

Australia: Williams 4, Hearn 3, Fasala 2, Green 2, Kearns 2, Andrews 1, Lambert 1, Owen 1

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