Six days of pure competition came to the end in the international hockey Stadium, Siglo XXI. 

USA: a well-deserved win

The Americans stepped into the pitch to play Barbados in the final game. With no mistakes and an effective play of his forwards, USA men went home with the win. The game began with both teams creating opportunities in the attack, but were unable to create enough risk in the attacking circle.

Finally, United States opened the scoreboard through Paul Singh in minute 5. Barbados was badly hurt, and could do little against the American strength. USA took advantage of their vulnerability; they got a number of penalty corners that ended in the cage. Barbados was able to get a number of penalty corners their selves, but was unable to score. They had their best chance in a counter attack, but the American goalkeeper stopped the attack and prevented the shot. At the end of the first period, United States converted a penalty corner making the difference 4-0 before the half time.

In the second half, Barbados tried to narrow the score. An early penalty corner seemed to be a good opportunity, but again they were unable to capitalize.  USA recovered the control and scored once more. Barbados executed well a penalty shot, thus they were still short in the scoreboard and USA walked away with the win of 6-1 over Barbados, in the men’s competition.

 

México wanted to win; they have stepped now, into Round 2

This match against Trinidad and Tobago was just like the previous played during the tournament. They played same style. With a victory as their main aim they were consistent and ordered in their games. The Mexicans gained the control of the game early, showing their power and strength.

Possession, open game and an effective recover of the ball were some of the concepts that lead Mexico to their first goal by Marlet Correa, early in the first half. Without any important issues the Mexicans navigated into the second half with no changes in the scoreboard.

One minute from the start of the second half Michel Navarro surprised giving the lead to her team 2-0. It took only a few minutes to Trinidad to score and get back into the game with a difference of only one goal. Arely Castellanos’ girls felt the hit and came out to the attack to keep their leadership.

Mexico scored twice thru Arlette Estrada, in minute 66 and 69. The Mexicans kept focused and look always big in the pitch. They got a well-deserved win and a ticket to World League Round 2.

 

Men, won the Bronze

The men also looked for a win at home. They wanted to be at the final game, but loosing Barbados greatly affected the team. 

In the first half of the match against Guatemala the Mexicans could not find their pace. The unexperienced Guatemala had a number of opportunities. 

Relaxed, with order and an open play Guatemala made well use of counterattacks and shy approaches to José Hernández, goal.

Thus, Mexico was still the owner of the scoreboard with a lead of 5 goals at the end of the first half.

In the second period, the host changed the pace, made it fast and gained the full possession of the ball. Guatemala was unable to get thru the center line.

México win 14 - 0.

Guatemala players were very happy to participate, and celebrated the opportunity to continue gaining experience playing big national teams; USA, Barbados and México, winner of the Bronze Medal.

 

The Best of the tournament

William Holt, was the Player and Scorer of the Tournament. The Mexican José Hernández was awarded Goal Keeper of the tournament and Sean Cicchi Junior player of the tournament.

On the women side, Michel Navarro was the Player and Scorer of the Tournament.

Jesús Castillo, was awarded Goal Keeper of the Tournament and the 13 years old, Daniela Vásquez Junior Player of the Tournament.