In the first Men’s match on Day 5 of the 2014 Men’s Indoor Pan American Cup Argentina and Canada played. For a match in whom the final was already decided, both teams battled hard. Argentina dominated possession in their attacking half for much of the first half. Canada’s defense prevented Argentina from many shot opportunities. Argentina held off a series of Canada penalty corners at the end of the first half to keep the match scoreless at halftime. Early in the second half, Argentina had a break away on attack, but he play was broken up by Canada’s defense. Ken Pereira’s goal in the 29th minute brought more passion into the match; and Argentina immediately had the ball back on attack. Argentina’s Agustin Ceballos scored a penalty stroke one minute later to tie the match 1-1 midway through the second half. Joaquin Gonzalez continued Argentina’s attack and gave Argentina a 2-1 lead in the 38th minute. Argentina’s Leandro Leotta scored in the final minute to give Argentina a 3-1 win over Canada.
In the second men’s match on Day 4, Guyana and host Uruguay played. From the start the match was a battle to determine who would play in the match for 3rd place. Uruguay took the early lead in the 5th minute off a fast shot Alexis Lopez. Midway through the first half, Guyana earned a penalty corner, but the shot went wide. Guyana continued to keep up their attack, but Uruguay narrowly blocked a series of Guyana shots. Both teams continued to fight for possession. Uruguay earned a penalty corner late in the first half, but the shot was blocked by Guyana’s keeper Anthony Cole. Jamarj Assanah scored for Guyana in the 19th minute to tie match 1-1 at halftime. Guyana’s Captain Devon Munroe gave Guyana the 2-1 lead early in the second half with a field goal in the 23rd minute. Guyana kept up their attack and Robert France gave Guyana a 3-1 lead in the 29th minute. Uruguay then came back on attack and earned a penalty corner, but it was blocked. Guyana continued their attacking momentum and the score was 4-1 two minutes later of another goal by Assanah. Guyana continued to dominate possession in their attacking end. Assanah scored again in the 37th minute to give Guyana a four goal lead over host Uruguay. With Uruguay holding off final Guyana attack, the final score ended Guyana 5, 1 Uruguay. With the win, Guyana solidified its opportunity to play for 3rd place in the tournament.
The winner of the finals will earn a spot in the 2015 Indoor World Cup. Argentina and Guyana will play for 3rd place.
Please stay tuned to www.panamhockey.org for photos, post-match interviews and live updates for the last day of the tournament, Saturday April 12th. The Men’s final matches will begin at 17:00 local (Montevideo) time on Saturday April 12th.
