USA storm into Olympic semis as fiery forward sparks mayhem in Milan
Abbey Murphy was at the centre of a physical battle as the United States thrashed hosts Italy 6-0 to book their place in a seventh consecutive Olympic semi-final.
The 23-year-old Minnesota native embraced the physical side of the game, drawing penalties and delivering hits in a contest that boiled over in the second period.
Murphy’s aggressive style has become a major talking point in Milan, with the forward unwilling to back down against the tournament hosts.
“When you represent your country, you hold yourself to a high standard,” Murphy said regarding her protection of team-mates.
“So anyone in front of the net that gets crosschecked, I’m not just going to watch that happen. It’s not me.”
Mayhem in the second period
Tensions erupted following the Americans’ sixth goal when forward Hannah Bilka collided with Italian goaltender Gabriella Durante.
Murphy immediately rushed into the fray, appearing to exchange blows with defender Franziska Stocker in the ensuing scrum.
The chaotic scenes resulted in a heated exchange between USA head coach John Wroblewski and the Italian bench.
Both Murphy and Stocker were sent to the penalty box, with the American forward seen smiling as she served her time for roughing.
“It wasn’t really hockey at points,” team-mate Tessa Janecke said of the chippy encounter.
“It can be frustrating. But if that’s what they’re going to do to win, that’s what they’re going to do.”
Walking a fine line
The NCAA’s leading goalscorer arrived in Italy with a reputation for playing on the edge, having also topped the collegiate charts for penalties.
Her physical presence has drawn high praise from US men’s GM Bill Guerin, who reportedly called Murphy his “new favourite player” after she drew four penalties against Canada in the group stage.
However, the forward admits she must balance her aggression with discipline as the stakes rise.
“Our coach said, find that fine line. Don’t get in trouble. Don’t do anything stupid that’s going to keep you out the next game or whatsoever. But yeah, you know me.”
Abbey Murphy, USA forward
Dominance continues
Despite the fractious nature of the game, the result was never in doubt for a US side that outshot their opponents 51-6.
The victory extends a remarkable run of defensive solidity, with goaltenders Aerin Frankel and Gwyneth Philips combining for a shutout streak of over 271 minutes.
Wroblewski’s side have outscored opponents 26-1 in Milan, netting at least five goals in every fixture so far.
Italy, meanwhile, exit the competition having secured two wins in five games, marking a significant improvement from their winless campaign in 2006.