Canadian men defeat Guyana in Pan Am Opener

August 10, 2010

The Canadian men’s national indoor team defeated Guyana 11-3 on Tuesday afternoon in their opening match of the 2010 Pan American Indoor Championship in Barquisimeto, Venezuela.

Canada and Guyana started the match fighting for possession. Five
minutes into the match, Canada received the first penalty corner and
scored off it to take the 1-0 lead. A few minutes later, Canada scored
again, this time off a field goal, to go ahead of Guyana 2-0. Canada
scored two quick goals both off long shots from the left; giving them a
four goal lead over Guyana. However, Guyana continued to play strong
and received a penalty corner, but could not convert it. With few
minutes remaining in the first half, Canada received penalty corners
that were blocked by Guyana’s defense; but finally converted one to go
ahead 5-0 at halftime.

Canada maintained their strong scoring momentum of the first half and
scored in the first minute of the second half. With fifteen minutes
remaining, Canada made the score 7-0. Guyana did not let up and quickly
after scored their first goal of the match. Yet, Canada came back with
another quick goal of their own. Canada scored again, but Guyana again
came back to make it 9-2 off a penalty corner goal with five minutes
remaining. Guyana maintained their passion and scored their third goal
of the game. Thus, despite playing a more even second half, Canada
comes away with a big first tournament win. 

Canada will next play Peru Wednesday morning at 11:35 EST.

The Indoor Pan Am Championships serve as the continental qualifier to the 2011 Indoor World Cup.