A resilient American side wore down Mexico and scored four goals in the second half to win 5-1. Twenty-one-year old Alberto Montilla scored two goals for the USA, while Mexico’s lone goal came from David Terminel Calleja.

In a battle for the second spot in Pool B, both Mexico and USA were very tight in their back lines. The opening quarter saw few opportunities for either team. A yellow card to Mexico’s Juan Sosa gave the Americans some momentum heading in to the second quarter. USA earned the first penalty corner of the game in the 20^th minute but Sean Cicchi’s low flick was blocked at the top of the circle.

Chances started to come for the USA including an open look for Kei Kaeppeler but Mexico keeper Jose Hernandez came out sliding to give time for Edgar Lopez to get back and steal the ball. Finally, it was Aki Kaeppeler’s deceptive sweep that found USA striker Alberto Montilla who unleashed a quick back-hand to give the Americans the all-important first goal.

The physicality between both teams escaladed quickly through the third quarter. Mexico were rewarded for their efforts when Paco Aguilar sent a brilliant aerial diagonally across the field to the top of the circle. David Terminel Calleja brought the ball down with ease and fired a forehand shot to even the game 1-1.

The USA responded almost immediately off a rush of attacks. Pat Harris sent a pass in to the circle to Deegan Huisman whose back-hand ripper was saved well by Hernandez. The rebound fell to Michael Barminski who quickly dished to Sundeen. With Hernandez out of his net Sundeen was able to bring USA back in front, up 2-1. The USA now looked confident and came at Mexico with little hesitance. Harris was fed a ball with all kinds of time at the top of the circle and the veteran made no mistake to give USA the 3-1 lead.

Mexico started to tire in the fourth quarter while the USA looked charged. A penalty corner in the 54^th minute allowed Aki Kaeppeler’s drag flick to put USA up 4-1. Mexico started to crumble, looking both tired and frustrated. Montilla picked the pocket of a defender and rolled the ball in for a fifth USA goal.

The 5-1 victory secures at least second place in Pool B for the USA, while Mexico will finish third, ahead of Peru.