After the official opening of the new turf by FIH President Leandro Negre, the two teams were quickly in action. Pat Harris, celebrating his 100th International Cap, surprised the Canadian defense to set up a dangerous situation in the Canadian circle, but the ball was cleared. The Canadians had most of the possession, however the Americans were vigilant in defense and Christopher Rea in the US goal was not in real danger.

USA scored on their first opportunity, a penalty-corner powered in goal by Aki Kaeppeler in the 9th minute. The Canadians increased their pressure and Brenden Bissett finally tied the score from a busy situation in front of the US goal-keeper with a handful of seconds left on the clock in first quarter.

Play was animated between two teams knowing each other well. A decisive circle penetration by Gordon Johnston earned a penalty-corner and Scott Tupper propelled the ball high in goal to give the lead to Canada in the 17th minute. USA had a chance on the next action on a double penalty-corner, but the Canadian defense read well the combinations and managed to clear. Canadian goal-keeper Dave Carter was again called into action on another American penalty-corner late in the period but the Canadian manage to protect their one-goal lead going into half-time.

Canada came back after the break firing on all cylinders and scored two goals in less than one minute by Matthew Sarmento to establish a healthy 3-goal advantage. This surge seemed to take some wind from the American sails and the Canadians controlled play for a while. It was finally Pat Harris who restored some hope for his team, celebrating in style his 100th Cap with a spectacular reverse stick shot in a narrow angle that stunned Dave Carter.

Canada picked up a green card early in the last quarter, giving a chance to the American to be threatening, but the Canadian defense weathered the storm. Matt Guest forced a penalty-corner soon after at the other end and Scott Tupper, in fine form, rebuilt the 3-goal lead for Canada. Both teams received yellow cards and play became very animated in the final minutes, swinging quickly back and forth.

Canada maintained their lead and opened their World League campaign with a solid 5-2 win over an impressive American team.