With the Californian sun back after three days of heavy rain, Canada immediately went on the attack as they absolutely needed a win to grab a satisfactory finish in pool B. Canada had most of the initial possession but Trinidad & Tobago seemed to have renewed energy with the warmer weather, not to mention the arrival of their stalwart Kwan Browne freshly arrived from Europe after a weekend of matches in the English League.

Canada had a chance on a penalty-corner but were kept at bay by the Trinidadian defense and first quarter ended scoreless. Ron Alexander in the Trinidadian goal was called into action early in second quarter, before Canada were finally rewarded for their territorial domination in the 18th minute when Mark Pearson deflected in goal a penalty-corner initially saved by the goal-keeper.

Canada were besieging the Trinidadian goal but had nothing more to show for their effort. Trinidad & Tobago on the other end earned a penalty-corner in one of their lone entry in Canadian territory, but could not control it and the half-time break was reached with the thin one-goal lead for the North Americans.

Trinidad & Tobago survived a penalty-corner in the opening minute of second half. Canada tried different avenues but could not find a way through the Caribbean defense, well regrouped and organized around Kwan Browne. Antoni Kindler, in goal for Canada today, progressively saw more action and was even under intense pressure when the Canadians had to play short on a yellow card.

After their initial domination, the Canadians could not quite take control of the proceedings and left themselves within reach of their opponent, with still the one-goal lead going into the final quarter. They controlled the ball in midfield for long sequences but could not move or stretch enough the Trinidadian defense to have clear shots at goal. Even Scott Tupper’s attempts on penalty-corner were off target, and the crowd had to wait for the 53rd minute for the second Canadian goal, Iain Smythe managing to slide the ball in goal from close range.

Tempers started to warm-up and the umpires had to hand out yellow cards. But the floodgates were now opened and Canada added a goal by Matthew Sarmento for a 3-0 score better reflecting their domination. Gordon Johnston made a specular line save for Canada with a handful of minutes left and the Canadians earned the win they were expecting, before watching with interest the match between Russia and USA that will decide the final standings in pool B.