Canada shutout Trinidad and Tobago 4-0 in their opening match of the Pan American Cup, a fitting score line for Red Caribou keeper Carter who celebrates today with his 150^th match. It was also the first match for the returned Kwan Browne, who is the highest capped in the tournament at 308. 

Familiar Pan American foes wasted no time getting in to the thick of heated battle as four cards were dealt within a six-minute span in the first half. Scott Tupper’s aerial cleared nearly the entire length of the pitch to find Balraj Panesar deep in Trinidad and Tobago territory. Panesar’s cross-circle pass found a defender’s foot for the game’s first penalty corner. Tupper buried the flick in the bottom corner to lift Canada 1-0 in the 8^th minute. Daniel Byer had a chance to level for Trinidad and Tobago but his penalty corner deflection went just wide of David Carter’s net before the end of the first quarter. 

Canada showed their strength on set pieces as they advanced 2-0 on a high flick executed by Gordie Johnston in the 27^th minute. Right back to the other end Trinidad and Tobago earned their own chance from the top of the circle but Tariq Marcano’s low flick was deflected just wide of the goal.  

In the third quarter, Canada’s Keegan Pereira had a solo attempt against keeper Kwasi Emmanuel but his lifted shot bounced wide of the empty net, while in the fourth corner Trinidad and Tobago’s Lyndell Byer saved a goal on the line.

Canada extended their lead to four in the 51^st when Ian Smythe one-timed a penalty corner rebound in to the top of the mesh. Outside of that goal it was a quiet second half as the expert Trinidad and Tobago midfield line of Kwan Browne, Akim Toussaint and Marcano tried to rally their team to break Canada’s shut out. The final result was 4-0 for Canada.

Pan American Cup men’s pool-round play continues on Aug. 6 with Pool B match ups between Canada and Brazil (10:00), Trinidad and Tobago vs Mexico (12:00) and Pool A match ups Chile vs Argentina (17:00) and Usa vs Venezuela (19:00). Tomorrow, Aug. 5, the women’s matches begin with Canada vs Brazil (12:00), Argentina vs Chile (17:00) and USA vs Mexico (19:00).

All matches are streamed live via USA Field Hockey here and you can stay connected on facebook, Instagram and twitter @panamhockey or online at panamhockey.org.