The final match on the first day of the Pan American Games Men’s Hockey Competition was between the USA and Cuba. Both teams fought for possession to start the first half. Cuba had more of their possession down in their attacking half, but the USA defense held strong to prevent a score. Midway through the first half, Cuba developed offense momentum and earned the first penalty corner of the match in the 18^th minute. The penalty corner was blocked by the body of a USA defender, and so a penalty stroke was awarded. Cuba’s Heriberto SARDUT GOMEZ scored the stroke to give Cuba a 1-0 lead over the USA. For the rest of the first half, Cuba continued their offensive pressure. The USA did not give up, however, and was awarded a penalty corner as time wound down in the first half. Another penalty corner resulted and the USA’s Will HOLT scored to tie the match 1-1 at halftime.

Just a few minutes into the second half, the USA took a 2-1 lead off another penalty corner goal by HOLT. Both teams continued to battle for possession. And hold strong on defense preventing many scoring opportunities. SARDUT GOMEZ tied the match 2-2 in the 49^th minute. Cuba continued to keep play in their attacking half and took a 3-2 lead off a field goal by Yoandy BLANCO. Cuba’s Captain Yuri PEREZ gave Cuba a two goal lead over the USA off a penalty corner in the 56^th minute. The USA continued to try to generate attack, but Cuba constantly denied the USA sound shots. With either team able to score again, Cuba came away with the 4-2 win over the USA.