The Canadian Men’s National Field Hockey Team opened Hockey World League Round 2 with a convincing 5-2 victory over the United States Saturday in Chula Vista, California.
The United States opened the scoring in the ninth minute of play on a goal from Aki Kaeppeler but Canada responded well and just over five minutes later was able to tie the game on a goal from Brendan Bissett with only seconds remaining in the first quarter.
Early in the second quarter, Canada was given a penalty corner opportunity and captain Scott Tupper converted on one of his class drag flicks to give Canada the 2-1. That’s how the teams went into half time.
In the second half, Canada added to its lead on two back-to-back goals from Matthew Sarmento in the thirty-third and thirty-fourth minutes.
The Untied States got one back in the thirty-ninth minute to make it 4-2, but Tupper added his second of the game – also on penalty corner – in the forty-ninth minute to seal the victory for Canada.
Canada takes on Russia, who also won their first game of the tournament, on Sunday morning at 8:30am.
Comments from Coach Anthony Farry (via PAHF):
Comments from Matthew Sarmento (via PAHF):
