Canadian men hold off USA for 5-4 win
February 27, 2011
The Canadian men’s national field hockey team defeated the United States for the second time within 24hrs with a 5-4 victory Sunday morning in California.
Canada took to the field vs. USA less than 19 hours after their previous match with the Americans. They were met at the field with superb playing conditions; clear skies, a slight breeze, and a well watered turf.
Canada roared out of the gates dominating possession in the American half. Scott Tupper opened the scoring in the 7th minute off a penalty corner. Brenden Bissett scored his first international goal in the 12th minute off another penalty corner. Tupper scored again in the 20th minute to give Canada a three goal lead.
The Americans entered the Canadian circle in the first minute of play and not again until they scored their first goal in the 33rd minute.
The halftime score was Canada 3-1 USA.
The Americans started the second half much more determined. They netted two goals both off penalty corners in the 43rd and 52nd minute respectively.
Canada responded in the 53rd minute off a brilliant sliding deflection that Philip Wright touched into the net from a backhand pass from Ian Smythe.
Six minutes later Canada regained their two goal lead as Wright scored again. Wright fooled the American keeper coming off the baseline and banked it in off the American keepers.
The US would not back down. They scored a penalty stroke with two minutes to go.
Canada was able to hold off the US over the final two minutes to earn a 5-4 win.
Canadian Roster
DNP: Gordon Johnston, Geoff Houghton, Connor Meakin, Nick Hignell
