In the first Pool A match on Day 3 of the Women’s Pan American Cup Trinidad & Tobago and Canada played. In the 4th minute, Canada earned the first penalty corner of the match. Canada’s shot went wide, but Canada was awarded another penalty corner. Again, the shot went wide.
Canada continued to dominate possession in their attacking half. But Trinidad & Tobago played great defense to prevent Canada from taking many shots on goal. Trinidad & Tobago continued to force Canada to make passes rather than enter their attacking circle. In the 20th minute, Canada was awarded a penalty corner. Again, Trinidad & Tobago well defended themselves.
In the 27th minute, Canada finally converted one of their shots when Hannah Haughn isolated herself from defenders and hit a hard shot on goal; making the score Canada 1-0 Trinidad & Tobago. The score remained Canada 1-0 at halftime.
The second half was nearly the same as the first. Canada dominated possession and controlled the play in their attacking half of the pitch. And Trinidad & Tobago continued to play incredible defense keeping Canada from having many shot opportunities. Canada’s persistence on attack finally paid off when Stephanie Norlander put in a field goal in the 61st minute. Soon after, Canada was awarded a penalty corner and Brienne Stairs tipped in the goal to make the score Canada 3, Trinidad & Tobago, 0.
After the restart, Canada immediately received another penalty corner, but Trinidad & Tobago’s keeper prevented another penalty corner shot from going in. Caashia Karringten and Thea Culley had both had field goals in the final minutes, making the final score Canada 5, Trinidad & Tobago 0.
The late offense showed Canada’s patience and persistence in executing their gameplan. With the win, Canada finishes second in Pool A and with that, earns a spot in the semi-finals. Canada plays the USA Thursday Sept 26 at 2:30 PM PST.
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