The United States upset Argentina 4-2  in the Pan American Games women's field hockey final, booking the Americans a place in the 2012 London Olympics. Argentina, a world power in the sport, can still reach the Olympics but will need to place well enough at a global qualifying tournament in order to reach England next July. Paige Selenski opened the scoring for the United States in the 12th minute, with Shannon Taylor boosting the Americans' edge three minutes later. Argentina answered when Maria Barrionuevo converted off a penalty corner in the 18th minute, but Katie O'Donnell gave the Americans a 3-1 lead off a penalty shot in the 35th. Barrionuevo scored her second goal on a penalty in the 42nd minute, but the South Americans could not hit the equalizer and Michelle Vittese added an insurance goal in the 66th minute for the US women.