The Canadian men’s team started the defense of their Pan American Games title with a strong win against Trinidad & Tobago (7-2).
The matches between these two teams are always lively affairs, and this one started with bang, both teams scoring in the first two minutes of play! Trinidad opened the scoring after a swift counter-attack, but Matt GUEST replied immediately with a powerful reverse stick shot in heavy traffic in the circle.
After this initial flurry of goals, the two teams neutralized each other in midfield, fiercely battling for possession, and there were few opportunities until the 26th minute when Scott TUPPER converted a penalty-corner to give the lead to Canada. His goal was followed by another series of goals, first two quick goals one minute apart by Iain SMYTHE before Kwandwane BROWNE reduced the score to 4-2 with a penalty-corner just before half-time.
Matt GUEST scored again early in the second half and completed his hat-trick in the 46th minute to set a comfortable 6-2 cushion. The Canadians did not slow down, maintaining their offensive pressure and always defending in numbers against the Trinidadian counter-attacks. Philip WRIGHT put the contest definitively out of reach of Trinidad & Tobago with a deflection in the 62nd minute, for a final score of 7-2.
Canada played a serious match today, marking their territory in this competition. They now play Chile on Saturday to decide the winner of the pool.
Before the national anthems, Jagdish GILL was honored for receiving his first international cap for Canada. Congratulations Jagdish!
Click here for video highlights! Coverage begins at 41:15.
