The Men’s National Team’s second and final match against the Netherlands was hard fought, but ended in a 2 – 7 loss. Canada came out strong, but their efforts were not enough to defeat the third ranked team in the world.
Canada started the match with sound defense, holding off the Dutch for the first 10 minutes. However, in the 12th minute, the Netherlands pushed their way through Canadian defense to generate their first penalty corner. The shot was wide. By the 15th minute the Dutch had another short corner, but Canada was ready. Goal keeper David Carter (Vancouver) made an excellent low stick side save, redirecting the ball off the end line. The Canadians continued to hold strong against Dutch penalty corners.
In the 25th minute the Netherlands stepped up offensively, driving into the Canadian circle and deflecting a shot into the net. Just one minute later the Dutch scored again, giving them a 2 – 0 lead.
Canada responded with an offensive attack, generating several penalty corners. A brilliant strong stick side flick by Scott Tupper (Vancouver) cleared the opposing keeper’s pads, giving Canada their first goal against the Netherlands. Before Canada could build on their goal, the Dutch were able to score again before half time – putting them up 3 – 1.
The Dutch began the second half with confidence, earning a penalty corner within the first few minutes. The Canadians held off this penalty corner, but were unable to stop the Netherland’s second short corner. 4 minutes later a well-played field goal gave the Dutch a substantial 5 – 1 lead.
Canada fought back. In the 55th minute Jesse Watson (North Vancouver) led a counter attack, entering the top of the Dutch circle then hitting a reverse stick shot. Mark Pearson (Tsawwassen, BC) deflected the ball into the back of the net – giving Canada their second goal. A mere 60 seconds later, the Dutch answered with a goal of their own. Canada was unable to convert penalty corners into points as the Netherlands scored yet again.
The match ended in a 7 – 2 victory for the Netherlands.
DNP: R. Hildreth, A. Kindler
