Argentina defeats Canada at Pan Am Youth Championship

February 11, 2010

Photo: PAHF / Carlos Garcia

Canada had 2 days of rest before the third match against Argentina. Canada had the majority of ball possession and controlled the play in the first half. Canada turned the ball over in midfield at the 30 second mark of the game and an Argentine forward was able to walk in all alone driving the ball into the Canadian net.

Every Canadian error lead to an Argentine scoring opportunity. Argentina was able to capitalize twice more in the first half. Canada ball possession earned two short corners, and at the 26 th minute, Gordon Johnston made no mistake with a hard flick.

The score at the end of the first half was Argentina 3 – Canada 1.

Argentina adjusted their game at half time, which changed the majority of ball possession and Argentina controlling the play. Argentina sustained pressure on Canada, earning six short corners to Canada’s zero during the second half. Canada’s solid defence was still far from their normal effort.

Even with Argentina’s sustained pressure only one more goal was added during the second half.

The final score was Argentina 4 – Canada 1.

Goals for Canada at the:

– 26 minute, Gordon Johnston #24

Goal for the Argentina at the:

– 1 minute, Leonardo Dario Castronovo #9

– 6 minute, Nicolas Cicileo #2

– 33 minute, Leonardo Dario Castronovo #9

– 64 minute, Nicolas Cicileo #2

The Canadians’ next match takes place Friday, February 12, 2010 afternoon against the USA. The gold medal game is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 13th between the top two teams following the conclusion of pool play.

Canada Starting Line-up:

Alex Smith (Gk), CJ Roydhouse, Spencer Curran (C), Gabriel Ho-Garcia, Gurteg Gill, Brenden Bissett, Justin Dhaliwal, Alex Wharton, Paul Wharton, Tony Sidhu, Gordon Johnston

First Half:

PC – Argentina – 1, Canada – 2

Cards – Argentina – 0, Canada – 1 – Green

Goals – Argentina – 3, Canada – 1

Second Half:

PC – Argentina – 6, Canada – 0

Cards – Argentina – 0, Canada – 1 – Green

Goals – Argentina – 1, Canada – 0

Alvin Bissett Manager

Canadian National Men’s U-17 Field Hockey Team Member