RIO DE JANEIRO -- Germany is a step closer to claiming another medal in womens Olympic field hockey. 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 Wholesale Nike SB Outlet . Just not the game. Kyle Palmieri scored two straight goals in the third period to rally the Anaheim Ducks past the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 on Tuesday night. Nike SB Outlet . Didier Drogba gave away the penalty that put Senegal one goal away from a major upset, but the veteran striker will get another chance -- probably his last -- at the World Cup after Salomon Kalous injury-time strike sealed the Ivorians place in Brazil next year. http://www.discountnikesb.com/ . Barcelonas entertaining victory ensured the defending Spanish champions retained their share of the league lead with Atletico Madrid two rounds ahead of their meeting in the capital. Real Madrid needed a late goal by substitute Jese Rodriguez to earn a 3-2 victory at Valencia to stay in third place and three points behind its title rivals. Cheap Nike SB From China . JOHNS, N. Wholesale Nike Shoes China .J. -- Marshawn Lynch said Thursday it will be good to get back to football after the Seattle quiet talking running back wrapped up his final mandatory media session of Super Bowl week. ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The Minnesota Wild and defenseman Matt Dumba have agreed to terms on a two-year, $5.1 million contract.The deal was done Thursday. Dumba, who was a restricted free agent, will make $2.35 million this season and $2.75 million next season.Dumba, 22, was the Wilds first-round draft pick in 2012. He totaled 10 goals, 16 assists, 83 hits and 56 blocked shots in 81 regular-season games inn 2015-16, all career highs.ddddddddddddIn 152 career NHL games over the past three seasons, Dumba has 19 goals, 25 assists and a plus-9 rating. The right-shot, 6-foot, 193-pound Dumba also chipped in two goals and four assists in 16 playoff games over the past two years. ' ' '