The U.S. Women's National Team defeated Switzerland, 5-0, here today to to close out preliminary-round play at the 2013 International Ice Hockey Federation Women's World Championship. The U.S. totaled 61 shots in the game and Brianna Decker (Dousman, Wis.) scored twice as the United States secured its place in the semifinals with a 2-0-1-0 record.
"We played a very complete game today and were able to dictate the play against a hard-working team," said Katey Stone, head coach of the U.S. Women's National Team. "We continue to improve and get stronger throughout the tournament."
Team USA turned up the pressure in the final five minutes of the first period and tallied two goals late in the closing minute of play. Alex Carpenter (North Reading, Mass.) opened the scoring on the power play by putting in her own rebound from in tight. Eleven seconds later, Decker notched the second goal of the period by coming down the left side, cutting to the net and firing the puck along the ice just inside the far post.
The United States dominated play and extended its lead in the second period on a goal by Decker - her second of the game and fourth of the tournament at 8:08. Team USA added a pair of goals in the third period. Kendall Coyne (Palos Heights, Ill.) converted on a cross-ice pass on a two-on-one at 1:23, and Julie Chu (Fairfield, Conn.) rediirected a shot from the point past the Swiss goaltender Florence Schelling at 3:03.
The U.S. will continue play on Monday (April 8) in the semifinals.
