Canada started tentatively and couldn’t find their rhythm. Mexico’s quick forwards continued to keep the Canadian defence on their back heels. The Mexicans were rewarded with a goal at the 7-minute mark. The goal sparked the Canadians into an offensive attack and James Kirkpatrick scored a goal in the 11th minute. The Mexicans had a quick attack right after the centre pushback and scored a goal in the 12th minute. After the flurry of goals, Canada settled down and started to play their game. Canada was rewarded a penalty corner in the 20th minute. The drag flick attempt by Adrien D’Andrade was well executed and only a brilliant save by the goalie kept it out. On the ensuing defensive 18 metre hit out an aggressive move by the Canadian mid line kept the ball in the circle and a goal mouth scramble was put in by goal by Sam Jones in the 21st minute. Canada started to play with much more confidence in the final third of the game. There were a lot of circle penetrations but with no resulting corners or goals. The second half ended 2-2.
Right off the opening horn Canada was under attack. Two penalty corners were well defended by the defensive penalty corner team and Dave Carter in net. Play continued in the middle of the field between the two 23 metre lines. At the 49th minute mark the ball was taken down the right hand side by Canada and deftly hit into the circle at the 23 metre line by Leo Bannister and then deflected at the goal mouth by Matt Sarmento off his stick while sliding on his belly. Canada was up in the game for the first time, 3-2. Ten minutes later the Mexicans were able to score on a hard hit from the top of the circle. The game was tied but the Canadians were not going to give up. Very close to the end of the game Canada had possession on the left side baseline. A hit across the goal by Matt Sarmento was deflected by Hudson Stewart but unfortunately it hit the post and stayed out. The game ended in a 3-3 tie.
The most experienced member of the squad and captain, Dave Carter, said of the game “Obviously we are disappointed with the result. First we have to give credit to a tough Mexican side who gave a hard-nosed effort; at the same we have a lot to build on and hope to have success with the rest of this tournament. Congratulations to the 12 players who earned their first cap today. ”
