The 2011 Pan American Games Women’s and Men’s Competitions are complete. Both champions of the 2007 Pan American Games, Argentina (W) and Canada (M), respectively, did not repeat in 2011. The United States Women and the Argentinean Men earned gold and a 2012 Olympic birth.
In the Women’s Competition, the United States won gold with their 4-2 win over Argentina—who had finished in first place all of the previous Pan American Games. In the bronze medal match, Chile emerged victorious (3-0) over Canada. In an exciting match between host Mexico and Cuba, Cuba won to secure fifth place; and thus, Mexico sixth. With its first tournament win, Trinidad & Tobago beat Barbados (avenging an earlier loss in Pool play) to earn seventh place. All women’s teams that finished in the second through seventh places have earned a berth in an Olympic Qualifier.
In the Men’s Competition, Argentina overcame being down at halftime and defeated Canada 3-1 for the gold medal. Argentina had finished second to Canada in the 2007 Pan American Games. Behind back-to-back goals by Yoandy BLANCO HERNANDEZ Cuba tied the Final match 3-3 in the 55th minute, but a field goal by Alexis BERCZELY in the 69th minute clinched a 4-3 win and the bronze for Chile. Meanwhile, both the United States and Trinidad & Tobago had dominating wins over their opponents, Mexico and Barbados, to finish in fifth and seventh place, respectively. All men’s teams that finished second through fifth place have earned a berth in an Olympic Qualifier.
