Updated: Wednesday, 01 Aug 2012, 8:53 AM EDT
Published : Wednesday, 01 Aug 2012, 6:11 AM EDT
LONDON (WAVY) - Virginia Beach's Caroline Nichols is competing in her second Olympics and this time she wants a medal.
Tuesday, USA Field Hockey took to the turf to battle the number one field hockey team in the world, Argentina. Virginia native Shannon Taylor scored a single goal to put the United States up 1-0 and held on to win.
"We were in a position where we had to get a result today, to get back on track in the tournament,” said Head Coach Lee Bodimeade. “We were fortunate to play against Argentina, a team that drives us to our best performances. We knew had to go out and do what we did in Guadalajara. It was really a terrific effort.”
It wasn't the first time Team USA bested the number one team. The U.S. beat Argentina 4-2 in the gold medal game of the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico in October. They also played against each other in Hampton Roads in June for an exhibition game.
"I think our team's strength is defense,” said captain Lauren Crandall. “We knew we had to bring our best performance to [Tuesday's] match and we did. I think [Tuesday's] win was an all-around team effort but Katelyn Falgowski and Melissa Gonzalez were exceptional in holding the best player in the world (Aymar) from attacking. They both played a consistent match throughout the 70 minutes and they definitely had the tallest task for today."
Defender Caroline Nichols who grew up in Virginia Beach also played a big role in Tuesday's win. She helped defend a crucial stop late in the second half when Argentina was charging, but the U.S. went home with a shutout.
Both Team USA and Argentina have one win and one loss in their pool.
The U.S. plays Australia on Thursday. You can watch the game live on NBC Sports Network at 5:45 a.m. or on nbcolympics.com.
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