Three Chilean players got on the board twice today as Chile found their scoring strides late in the game to put away Venezuela 6-0 to open Pool A play.

Twenty-one world ranking spots separate Chile and Venezuela but the opening half was hardly indicative of that gap. Chile had two early penalty corner options that they were unable to convert, while Venezuela’s penalty corner flick was deflected wide minutes later. Chilean captain Felipe Montegu had his team’s first real attempt at goal but his shot that was booked for under the crossbar was steered clear by the glove of Venezuela keeper Junior Benitez.

The second quarter was much more lively in front of the nets as Venezuela’s Wilber Bracamonte was gifted a pass from the Chilean defence but his close-range shot hit the post. Chile broke the deadlock in the 25^th minute when Franco Becerra deflected the ball into space to Matias Esparza. The pass came back to Becerra who had a wide-open net and he slid to deflect the ball for a 1-0 lead.

Chile extended their lead early in the second half as midfielder Ricardo Achondo sliced a pass to the stick of Jose Hurtado up the left side of the pitch. Hurtado weaved his way through the Venezuelan defence and was able to slide the ball past the short size of Benitez to lift Chile 2-0. 

Martin Rodriguez’s back-hand shot in the 44^th minute found its way through a crowded Venezuelan circle to extend Chile’s lead to three, while the 27-year-old found the back of the net four minutes later for his second of the game and a 4-0 Chile lead. Chile’s Hurtado and Becerra each scored their second goal before the final whistle to open Pool A play with a 6-0 final score.

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.