Legend:
Celebrate an unchallenged victory at the start of the World Cup
Kirsten Simms (here in a duel with Lara Christen).
Getty Images/Troy Parla
- The Swiss lost 4-0 to hosts USA at the start of the Ice Hockey World Cup in Utica.
- After a goalless first period, the Americans turned things up in the middle and final third and were successful four times.
- Andrea Brändli fends off 51 of 55 (!) shots in the Swiss goal.
The Swiss bravely withstood pressure from hosts USA for 25 minutes in their World Cup opening game. Goalkeeper Andrea Brändli parried 16 shots in a row before she had to admit defeat. Haley Winn put the highly superior favorites in front with a hidden finish from the blue line.
Switzerland was unable to react to the deficit, on the contrary: the Americans continued to shoot at Brändli’s goal – and were successful again in the 37th minute. After Alex Carpenter’s shot, the Swiss goalkeeper was unable to block the goal. Kendall Coyne reacted quickest and made it 2-0 with her 30th shot on goal.
Brändli with 51 saves
Even in the third third the game practically only knew one direction. The Americans were able to reward themselves two more times in front of their home crowd. Captain Hilary Knight in the power play (51st) and Winn (55th) with a remarkable wrist shot finally put the lid on it.
Meanwhile, the Swiss, who only fired a total of 11 shots at Aerin Frenkel’s goal, were denied a consolation goal. At the start of the World Cup they had to accept a clear 0-4 defeat, which could have been worse had it not been for the brilliant Brändli standing between the Swiss posts. The 26-year-old fended off 51 of 55 (!) shots.
No goals in the starting third
In the starting third, Switzerland sold its skin at a high price. Unlike a year ago, when the USA took the lead after just 7 seconds, Brändli was able to hold on with 14 saves in the entire first period.
The Swiss even had two top-class opportunities. Lara Stalder appeared free in front of US goalie Frenkel twice, but failed both times. These were to be the only dangerous chances for Switzerland, which fell victim to the oppressive superiority of the Americans in the second and third thirds.
However, the Swiss don’t have to worry about making it to the knockout phase. Since they play in the stronger Group A, they automatically qualify for the quarterfinals.
This is how it continues
The World Cup continues for the Swiss on Friday. With Olympic champion Canada, coach Colin Muller’s team is about to face the next Herculean task. You can watch the game live on SRF from 9 p.m.