The Irish ladies hockey team dramatically lost the Atlantic Cup final in Virginia when the USA Captain Tracey Fuchs scored a golden goal in the dying minutes of the game.
Ireland lost last night's final 3-2 but it was not before a bright start in which Lyndsey McVicker scored her fourth goal of the tournament in the 24th minute. It was a stunning piece of individual skill where McVicker ran the full length of the pitch to give Ireland the lead.
Fuch equalised just after the break but Eimar Cregan responded soon after to restore Ireland's advantage once again. It was Mimi Smith for the Americans who ensured the final would into extra-time with the equaliser midway through the half.
The agony for Ireland was confirmed when Fuchs converted the only penalty corner of the game to secure victory.
Scotland destroyed Mexico 10-0 in the third place play-off game.
The competition was a four nations invitational event organised as part of Ireland, Scotland and the USA's preparations for next month's World Cup in Perth, Australia.
The Irish will fly into Perth on November 6th ahead of the World Cup, which starts on November 24th.