Action-packed fourth quarter leads to 3-1 US victory
All the scoring took place in the fourth quarter and when the final hooter blew, it was USA standing victorious.
The first quarter went back and forth in a deadlock, with both teams exchanging chances. Rowan Harris and the Canadian defense weathered the USA attack and countered late in the first with some pressure.
Natalie Sourisseau, Maddi Thompson, Maddie Secco and Brie Stairs led the Canadian opportunities in the first half. Despite scoring ventures at both ends, neither team could manage a goal in the first half.
It was more of the same in the second half. Canada managed a pair of third quarter penalty corners, to no avail and the US countered with some grade-A chances of their own. Both goalkeepers and defenses stood fast and kept the attack at bay.
The dam broke in the fourth quarter when Canada struck off a penalty corner. Brie Stairs handled the loose ball and fired it into the US net. Canada only enjoyed the lead for only 60 seconds as USA countered with a goal on a PC set of their own. Head Coach Rob Short said one goal can usually ignite offense from both sides.
“It was a chess match for most of the game, then the one goal breaks it open,” he said. “They knew they had to pressure and play with more risk and it paid off for them.”
Canada is defeated 3-1 by USA in second-round action at the 2022 Pan American Cup. Photos/Oscar Munoz Badilla
USA scored again with 4 minutes remaining, putting Canada on its heels at the end of the game. Again, the attack went back and forth for the final few minutes and USA added another marker to seal the deal. Short said that the game was mostly a solid performance, But lacked some discipline and game management.
“We just didn’t manage the game well enough, especially late. We took too many cards, which caused us to chase.”
Short followed up by saying the team is already looking forward to their next match and are aiming to bring their best to each game moving forward in the event.
“We know we will improve, progress and execute moving forward,” he said. “We want to peak in a few days when the games are most important.”
Canada will now face Trinidad and Tobago in their final pool-play matchup before the crossover rounds. With a win against TTO, Canada will likely advance to play the third placed team from the opposite pool in a quarterfinal.
Our national teams are able to compete at the 2022 Pan American Cup thanks to the generous support from our sponsors. Thank you to our apparel partner, Indian Maharadja, our equipment supplier, Gryphon Hockey, and our club partners, West Vancouver FHC and Tamanawis Field Hockey Society, for supporting the Red Caribou and Wolf Pack!
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