The last match on Day 1 of the Women’s Competition of the Pan American Games was between Chile and Cuba. Chile scored early to take a 1-0 lead over Cuba off a field goal by Manuela URROZ. Chile took a 2-0 lead in the 16^th minute off a penalty corner goal by María José FERNANDEZ. Cuba’s Mileysis ARGENTEL QUINTANA received a yellow card. And then a penalty corner followed, but Cuba’s defense successfully prevented the goal. Soon after, however, Chile’s Denise INFANTE made the score 3-0 off a penalty corner. Chile’s Javiera VILLAGRA received a yellow card. Despite some more attack from Chile, Chile was unable to score again and the halftime score remained 3-0 versus Cuba.

In the second half, Chile continued to maintain the majority of possession. Cuba continued to play sound defense. VILLAGRA gave Chile a four goal lead soon into the second half off a penalty corner in the 41^st minute; and scored another penalty corner goal in the 56^th minute to make the score 5-0 in favor of Chile. Cuba had some possession down in their attacking end, but could not manage to score. Chile’s Christine FINGERHUTH put in a field goal to give Chile a six goal lead soon after in the 58^th minute. After this, Cuba continued to hold strong and Chile was unable to put in another shot. With Cuba unable to score throughout the match, the final score ended Chile 6, Cuba nill.

Match Quotes

Chile’s Coach DIEGO AMOROSO

On the match…

I am content. I thought we played well against a good Cuba side. We need to be more calm in our play and I thought the first 10 minutes of the second half we increased our anxiety and tried to do things too fast. Our priority is to be more aware about our positioning on the pitch.

On playing the USA in their next match ..

I think it will be a completely different game.

Cuba’s Coach Hilario YERA DIAZ

On the match …

I thought Chile was a far superior team who is used to high level matches and tournaments (in Europe). Our team is very young with an average age of 21 years and many have not played in a tournament. I didn’t think the score would be this disproportionate and we are not used to playing in a tournament at this high level. We prepared well in Cuba and the girls are full of hope.

Cuba’s Captain Yeney CASA GONZALEZ

On lifting her team’s spirits for the next game …

I thought we could win and we prepared well. We were sad when we lost and also when we realized that we would probably lose. But I am the Captain and we cannot lose our composure. We will play with all our skill against Mexico in our next match and we have a lot of desire to win.