All teams experienced a snapshot into a typical Toronto summer today with the humidity factor bringing the temperature to a muggy thirty degrees Celsius. A day full of exciting matches determined the two teams that would go on to compete at the 2017 Junior Pan Am Cup.
The opening match between Guyana and Mexico started off at a leisurely pace which was uncharacteristic of the Mexican team we’ve seen in previous games. The lack of speed did not prevent Mexico from taking a quick lead in the match. Jorge Aguilar was given time to make a reception, turn, and fire a clean shot that skidded past goalkeeper Scotland. Guyana’s Keon McKenzie evened up the score by potting his first goal of the tournament with an effective push on net. The teams went into the halftime mark with one goal apiece.
Mexico took back the lead four minutes into the second half off a penalty corner shot. With equal attacking opportunities being created by both sides, Guyanese veteran Aroydy Brandford matched the scoreline by taking a quick free hit, charging the circle and releasing a back hand a shot before the offense could blink. Both teams proceeded to worked their tails off to clinch the win they had within reach. Raymundo Lemus’s powerful sweep hit smashing into the back of the net placed Mexico one step closer to victory with only five minutes remaining. The Guyanese were unable to tie up the game with the limited time remaining, though not through lack of effort. They spent the majority of the final minutes in the Mexican circle but could not pull off the shot they needed to change the game. The Mexicans worked hard defensively to hold onto their lead and it paid off resulting in a 3-2 triumph over Guyana that would send them into the 5-6 game.
The second 5-8 placement match between Trinidad and Puerto Rico was very heavily dominated by T & T. Truly disheartened by their defeat in the quarterfinal match, Trinidad rose above the heartbreak and made a statement on the pitch today: they did not belong in this match. They proved their point by scoring only fifty seconds after the pushback. Their second and third goals followed closely behind making the score 3-0 after only six minutes. Trinidad provided variety in their attack; having five different goal scorers responsible for their seven goal lead over Puerto Rico by the end of the first half. Trinidad resumed control after the second half horn.
Puerto Rico managed to stave off any of Trinidad’s goal scoring opportunities for the first fifteen minutes. T & T’s Kieron Emmanuel eventually caused change in the scoreboard by the team their eighth goal off a penalty corner. The climbing goal difference resulted in a very frustrated Puerto Rican team facing an aggravated Trinidad looking to fill the chip on their shoulder. This combination made for an incredibly aggressive, and at some points, dangerous game. Umpires awarded five cards; three green, two yellow, throughout the match but these disciplinary actions were not enough to prevent a bench clearing fight from breaking out in the seventieth minute. Rumour has it - fists flew, which resulted in one five-minute yellow card and one ten-minute being awarded seconds before the match concluded. Though not a pleasant end to the game, Trinidad walked away feeling accomplished in proving their worth with an 11-0 win over Puerto Rico.
A classic matchup between team USA and Argentina took place for the first semifinal match of the day. Argentina scored after what felt like an eternity of intense play from both sides. The eternity was in fact only six short minutes, which meant an early lead for the South American competitors. Argentina resumed applying heavy pressure on American keeper O’Lari, who demonstrated his agility by blocking two speedy goal attempts. Argeninian Tomas Domene held a strong attacking position roofed the ball top corner before O’Lari had a chance to readjust for a third time. Argentina’s second, third and fourth goals were obtained within three minutes of each other and the energy completely shifted in Argentina’s favour. Their play resembling that of a team who knew they had already secured the win.
Unfortunately, the USA struggled to organize themselves and were incapable of creating any substantial attack on the Argentinians. The 5-0 scoreline at half made for a steep hill to climb for team USA in the second half. Argentina’s consistency was remarkable as their unrelenting attacking pressure gained them another five goals in the second half of the game. Massive celebrations from the Argentinians followed the final horn marking the end of the match and signifying their qualification for the 2016 Junior World Cup.
The final game of the day saw host team Canada fight Chile for the looming World Cup qualification. Both teams came out firing on all cylinders playing at with intensity that has yet to be seen in today’s matches. A proper goal scoring opportunity would come to be a rare commodity in this evenly matched pairing. Finn Boothroyd made sure to capitalize on Canada’s first opportunity on net by executing an excellent reverse shot into the top shelf. The frantic pace of the game began to dwindle as the half progressed. The calmer energy of the game appeared to work in Chile’s favour as they netted the equalizing goal off an effective penalty corner flick. 1-1 at halftime.
The pace to start the second half slowed, with each team playing tight, with maybe some nerves creeping in, with a spot in the finals and junior world cup on the line.A green card to Chilean player Bravo in the 44th minute opened the game up. Canada quickly took advantage and capitalized on the ensuing play. Great individual skill was displayed by Dhaliwal on the right side as he drove the baseline. Left alone, he had time to make the shot, drawing the goalkeeper Araya and placing the ball gracefully into the left side netting.
In the 59th minute, the ball came high off the stick of Chilean player Olavarria into a Canadian player in the circle, leading to a Canadian penalty corner. The Canadian left option flick led to a goal-front scramble, ultimately cleared by Chilean keeper Araya. The pressure did not relent however, as in the 60th Canada got the two-goal lead. Sidhu ran the left baseline and popped the ball through for the easy finish by Aujla. From there, Canada slowed the play and displayed great individual skill to eat up time. The game ended 3-1 in favour of Canada, earning them a date in the finals with Argentina tomorrow.
