th Africa defeated Australia 17-7 to w | Forum

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Germany is a step closer to claiming another medal in womens Olympic field hockey. Joe Smith Jersey . The U.S. once again will leave empty-handed.The Germans held off a late surge by the U.S. to advance to the semifinals with a 2-1 victory, putting them in position to return to the medal podium in an event they won in 2004.The U.S. wont be so fortunate, but the Rio Games were a step in the right direction for a team that finished last in 2012.Were just right where we wanted to be from the beginning on, and now we have two chances to win a medal, Germany defender Nika Lorenz said. Thats what were here for, right? Thats why you play the Olympic Games.Germanys Marie Mavers opened the scoring with a goal midway through the first period. Lisa Altenburg knocked a backhanded shot into the top of the net to put Germany up 2-0 late in the first.The German defense frustrated the Americans for the rest of the match. The United States got off just seven shots. The United States controlled possession for much of the match, but couldnt produce in close.The Americans beat No. 2 Argentina and No. 3 Australia in their first two matches at the Games, then toppled Japan and India to take the lead in their pool. The United States led their final pool play match against Britain heading into the fourth period before losing 2-1.We came into the tournament hopeful of getting onto the podium, United States coach Craig Parnham said. Weve not been able to do that. Im really proud of what this team has done here, and what weve done over the past 3 + years.Even with the early deficit, the Americans thought they had a chance.Of course, wed prefer not to be two goals down in the first part of the game, Parnham said. Its what happens. Weve been there before. Its not a big issue for us.The United States turned up the pressure in the second half, but it was for naught. The Americans came up empty on a penalty corner with two minutes left in the third period. Katelyn Falgowskis goal with 3:54 remaining gave the Americans a chance, but the Germans remained strong defensively.Had we have scored a little earlier, I think it would have been a different game, Parnham said.Parnham hopes the fast start in the tournament laid the foundation for future growth. It was the United States best effort pool play performance.The strength of the program will continue to grow, Parnham said. Hopefully, weve inspired a few young Americans to get into the sport, pick up a stick and increase our number of player base.---Follow Cliff Brunt on Twitter (at)CliffBruntAP Joe Biagini Jersey . Wilson hit Schenn from behind during Tuesday nights game in Philadelphia, earning a five-minute major for charging and a game misconduct. He has a phone hearing with the department of player safety, which limits any potential suspension to five or fewer games. Luis Gonzalez Astros Jersey . JOHNS, N. https://www.cheapastros.com/ . Reassurance came from Paul Tesori, his caddie and close friend whose newborn son is in intensive care in a Florida hospital. "Paul sent me a text this morning, just told me he loved me and wanted to go out and fight as hard as I would any other day," Simpson said Sunday after doing just that.Samoa completed a stunning second-half comeback to beat World Series leaders Fiji 29-26 in the final of the Paris Sevens on Sunday. Samoa fought back from 26-7 down to secure their first Sevens Cup since they won in Dubai in 2012 with tries from Faalemiga Selesele, Siaosi Asofolau, Belgium Tuatagaloa and a Tila Mealoi double.At half-time youd think we were dead and buried, Samoa coach Damian McGrath told Sky Sports. The resolve and the self belief was all here. If we got the momentum, we had a chance and when we saw Fiji flagging, we went for the jugular. Canadian 7s player Adam Zaruba made a stunning catch against Wales. Joe Biagini Astros Jersey. Despite the defeat, Fiji remain 14 points clear of South Africa at the top of the overall standings ahead of the final round in London next weekend.Samoa were beaten 42-5 by Fiji in the group stage, but reached the final after stunning South Africa 21-10 in the quarter-finals and scraping past Argentina 14-12 in the semis.Hosts France marked the return of the Paris Sevens after a 10-year absence by defeating Argentina 26-17 in the third-place playoff and are 10th in the overall standings. South Africa defeated Australia 17-7 to win the second-tier Plate title.Scotland clinched the Bowl title for the second-consecutive series after beating England 28-10, while Portugal beat Wales 24-19 to win the Shield.The teams all make the trip across the Channel to play in the London 7s this weekend, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports 1 starting at 9am on Saturday 21 May.  Also See: Bennett, Simpson in Sevens squad Pichot: Residency rule is wrong England to solve Underhill issue Follow @SkySportsRugby ' ' '