In a Pool B matchup on Day 2 of the Men’s Competition of the Pan American Games, Mexico and Cuba played. The match started with both teams fighting intensely for possession. Cuba earned the first few penalty corners of the match, but, behind the strong play of Mexico’s keeper VARGAS GARCIA, all were well blocked by Mexico’s defense. Throughout the first half, Cuba held the majority of possession. With just under 10 minutes remaining in the half, Cuba’s AGUILERA MOLINA received a yellow card, but Mexico could not take advantage. Then with few minutes remaining in the first half, Mexico’s AGUILAR MONTOY received a yellow card, but similarly Cuba could not manage to take advantage. Thus, the match remained scoreless at halftime.

In the second half, Cuba continued to dominate possession and kept play mostly in their attacking half. Mexico’s GALVAN NIEVES received a yellow card in the 44^th minute. Cuba also received a number of penalty corners in the second half, but again Mexico’s defense held strong to prevent Cuba from scoring. Mexico received their first penalty corner in the match and AGULAR MONTOYA scored to put Mexico ahead 1-0 over Cuba in the 53^rd minute. Cuba kept up their attacking pressure and tied the match in the 61^st minute off a VALERO CAMEJO field goal. Soon after, Cuba’s SARDUT GOMEZ put in a penalty stroke to give Cuba the 2-1 lead over Mexico. In the 65^th minute, Cuba’s ROJAS SOTOLONGO received a yellow card. With three minutes remaining in the match, Mexico took out their keeper for an extra field player. Yet Mexico could not capitalize and Cuba pulled off the 2-1 win over Mexico.

Match Quotes

Mexico’s Coach Arsenio Alberto LOPEZ DELOYA

On the match…

We knew it was going to be a difficult game with Cuba. We were very very close. I think the guys played very well. These are players that are moving forward. The change in attitude was evident today and we are on a good path. They have great character and great discipline.

Mexico’s Axel HERRERA OLVERA

On the match…

[long pause] We were hoping to win and showed we can play. We have good attitude and heart and it is spectacular to play in front of such a spectacular crowd. Today, Cuba was a little bit ahead of us. Many times in games the result is up in the air between the two teams and it is a question of luck. Today Cuba had the luck and it was an excellent game.

Cuba’s Coach Tomas VISCAINO ALONSO

On the match…

It was a pretty difficult game. Always the matches get a little harder. We were very anxious on the field and congratulations to Mexico for playing a hard fought game. This is one step forward in trying to get to the final.