Under a full stadium, the Chile versus United States match got underway on Day 2 of the Pan American Games Women’s competition. From the opening start, both teams fiercely battled for possession and denied each other scoring opportunities. Back and forth play continued for the rest of the first half. Both teams had some attacking opportunities, but could not capitalize. Around the 23^rd minute, Chile’s Daniela CARAM received a green card. The United States tried to take advantage and were awarded a penalty corner soon after, but the shot went wide. The United States increased their attacking pressure in the end of the first half, but the Chilean defense held strong. Thus, the match remained scoreless at halftime.

The second half started much like the story of the first half …with both Chile and the USA battling for possession. The USA broke open the scoreless match off a field goal by Shannon TAYLOR in the 41^st minute. Immediately off the restart the USA continued their attacking intensity and earned a penalty stroke. Caroline NICHOLS scored the penalty stroke to give the USA a two goal lead with about 30 minutes remaining in the match. Chile continued hold strong and Chile’s Camila CARAM scored off a penalty corner in the 46^th minute to cut the USA’s lead to one goal. The rest of the match the USA held the offensive advantage, but Chile’s defense prevented the USA from scoring again. Chile struggled to generate attacking opportunities during the end of the match. And thus, the USA came away with the 2-1 win over Chile.

Match Quotes

Chile’s Coach Diego AMOROSO

On the match…

The United States pressured us with all of their lines. We defended very well. I think we were nervous in the opening minutes of the second half. But we continued to mark [players] well and keep positioning. We maintained a good attitude throughout the match and never let down.

The United States’ Coach Lee BODIMEADE

On the match…

This was a match of the two highest ranked teams in our Pool, so I expected it to be a tough match. It took a long time to break through and that first goal helped bury the game. But Chile applied great pressure late. I knew we would have few opportunities against Chile and that after our first goal Chile would be disappointed. So we pushed hard to get another goal and it paid off.