Argentina wins 2013 Pan American Cup; United States gets Silver

The final of the 2013 Women’s Pan American Cup was between host Argentina and the United States. The United States went on the attack early, but Argentina’s keeper Belen Succi came up with a big save. Argentina then went on the counter attack and earned the first penalty corner of the match, but could not convert.  Argentina continued to attack and the United States’ keeper Alesha Widdall made some terrific saves to keep the match scoreless. Succi soon did the same on the other end.  For the rest of the first half, both teams battled hard for the ball in the midfield. Play was mostly in Argentina’s attacking half of the field, but Argentina struggled to generate many shots. In the final minute of the half, Rosario Luchetti was given a yellow card. The match remained United States 0, Argentina 0 at halftime.

The second half of the final continued like the first ended with both teams fighting for possession and limiting each other’s attacking opportunities. Argentina was awarded the first penalty corner of the second half in the 42^nd minute, but the play was blocked by the United States defense. Argentina kept up their attacking pressure. In the 45^th minute Daniela Sruoga received a yellow card; and then five minutes later, the United States’ Rachel Dawson received a yellow card. Play continued to be mostly in Argentina’s attacking half. Argentina was awarded a penalty corner in the 53^rd minute, but the shot went wide. Two minutes later, Argentina’s persistence paid off and Delfina Merino capitalized and put Argentina ahead 1-0. Argentina continued to pressure on attack, but United States’ defense continued to hold strong. Argentina won the 2013 Women’s Pan American Cup; and the United States finished with the Silver Medal.