Canada 10 v Mexico 0
The 2017 Mens Indoor Pan Am Cup started with defending champions Canada taking on Mexico. The Canadian captain Ken Pereira celebrated his 400th International Match for Canada, an incredible milestone. In the first half Canada built a steady lead through quick passing, effective press and sharp finishing. They were up 4-0 at the 10 minute mark before Mexico adjusted the pace and held Canada to a 5-0 margin at half time.
The second half was similar with Canada applying steady pressure. Mexico established some passing patterns that will serve them well in upcoming matches, however 8 different goalscorers led by Jonathan Roberts with three gave Canada a resounding 10 – 0 victory.
Guyana 5 v Barbados 4
The Guyanese men entered Cliff Anderson stadium for the first time in the Indoor Pan American Cup to take on Barbados. The Bajans threatened to score early but it was Robert France who tallied two goals early to life the excitement in the stadium. Barbados played with a strong structure and had a chance at half on a penalty corner earned by Dave Cox, however his layoff shot was punched wide.
The second have both teams revved it up. Hilton Chester gave Guyana a 3-0 cushion before Barbados updated their tactics during a timeout and responded with 3 goals including two from Che Warner to tie the match. Guyana wouldn’t be denied as they responded quickly with two more goals capped by the eventual game winner by France.
Argentina v Trinidad & Tobago
The early moments favoured Argentina but after wasting two penalty corners opportunities they called on their keeper Francisco Demonte to make a huge save to =keep the momentum going. Not to be outdone Ron Alexander dove to stop a Juan Eleicegui shot after being setup by a brilliant run Alejo Lacaze.
A midfield intercept and spirited run by Jordan Riviera found Akim Toussaint and his poised finish gave TTO the opening goal. Remarkably Toussaint doubled the lead in the same minute of a mishandled pushback.
Argentina continue to falter on their penalty corner with Alfreda Sosa shooting wide and Eleicigui mis-trapping at the top. Leandro Leotta finally scored from the field with a blistering shot that found the mesh.
The second half featured three early goals Dwain Quan Chan, Jordan Viera and Soloman Eccles that put TTO in the drivers seat. Argentina continued to push forward but were unable to contain the TTO counter and experience in finishing. Final score favoured TTO 5-2..
