Canadian Men post another 4-2 win against Chile
August 3, 2010
The Canadian men beat Chile (4-2) for the third time, actually clinching the 5-match series against their South American rivals.
Canada started the game well, Richard HILBRETH forcing a penalty-corner on a baseline run in the 6th minute. The option was well executed and found Rob SHORT on the post for the first goal of the game. After this exciting start, the game settled down in an intense tactical midfield battle. Canada had a greater share of ball possession but could not generate any additional scoring opportunity for a while.
They had a chance around the 25th minute on a wild scramble in front of the Chilean goal, with a flurry of sticks batting the ball back and forth, but Chile managed to clear their zone and survived the scare. Canada increased their tally soon after on their 3rd penalty-corner; Scott TUPPER initial shot was saved but Matt GUEST was on hand to finish the job.
Chile reacted strongly and managed to close the gap in the closing minutes of the period, Thomas KANNEGIESER pouncing on a rebound after a shot from the top of the circle was saved by Geoff HOUGHTON in goal for Canada today.
Chile carried their momentum in the second period and tied the game in the 43rd minute on a penalty-corner that seemed to break down but ended with a hard shot from close range. The Chilean nearly took the lead shortly after before the Canadian defense managed to settle down under the leadership of Rob SHORT.
Canada regained their advantage in the 54th minute by Scott TUPPER on penalty-corner, then gave themselves some breathing room in the 62nd minute on another penalty-corner forced after a crafty run by Rob SHORT, who was also on hand at the conclusion of the option to bat the ball high in the roof of the net.
Chile tried to react, but Canada had still some resources to step up the pace in the closing stages of the match and earn a well deserved victory (4-2).
Coach Alan BRAHMST was satisfied with his troops. “Some of the young players fared well today. I am also happy that we generated 10 penalty-corners and scored 40% of them. We gave them some counter-attacks chances in first half, but nevertheless managed to minimize their scoring chances. I found that we showed some resilience when they came back level and managed to find the resources to score two additional goals, which shows that we are getting fitter”.
Canada: Geoff Houghton (GK), Philip Wright, Scott Tupper, Connor Meakin, Jesse Watson, Richard Hildreth, Hudson Stewart, Ken Pereira, Dave Jameson, Rob Short, Devhon Texeira, Keegan Pereira, Iain Smythe, Matt Guest, Adam Froese, Taylor Curran
Goals:
6mn CAN Rob SHORT (PC)
28mn CAN Matt GUEST (PC)
33mn CHI Thomas KANNEGIESER (FG)
43mn CHI Valenzuela RAIMUNDO (PC)
54mn CAN Scott TUPPER (PC)
62mn CAN Rob SHORT (PC)
