To see pictures, game sheets, goals and cards, click here.
Women – Peru vs. Trinidad & Tobago: 0-2
The first match of the day was between Peru and Trinidad and Tobago, both teams were looking for the victory that would take them to the next stage.
The first quarter was dominated by the Caribbean team, who had more control of the ball and got two penalty corners; while the team led by Patricio Martínez created a dangerous occasion with 2 minutes left, one of their players took the ball after a bad delivery by the Trinidadians, but the goalkeeper Anthony Marcano saved his goal.
At the beginning of the second quarter, Peru had its opportunity to get ahead thanks to a deep pass on the area that they could not receive. Trinidad and Tobago then put together a quick rebound to get their fourth penalty corner, but it was well viewed and defended by the Peruvian team. During the second quarter, Peru raised the pressure and had more opportunities on Trinidad and Tobago field, but it was not enough and the ones that took the rhythm of the match were the Caribbean.
The second half began with big intensity by Trinidad and Tobago who finally, after 12’, managed to score a partial 1-0 after a shot by Samantha Olton from outside the 23 meters that had a first deflection by Tamia Roach and the final touch of Kaitlyn Olton to put the ball in the goal. The Peruvians reacted and finished the quarter playing in the TTO area.
At the end of the game, the South American team notably increased the intensity of the game, they went out to look for the victory and despite playing on Arresia Sandy defense they had several scoring chances, they could not meet the goal. With 2.30' left, Martínez decides to withdraw Mikaela Tannert and play with 11 field players, but a shot from Trinidad and Tobago outside the area, that Felicia King receives, she passes it to Kaitlyn Olton, who returns it to her to be number 6 the one that sealed the final 2-0 at 58'.
Women: USA vs. Canada : 3-1
All the scoring took place in the fourth quarter and when the final hooter blew, it was USA standing victorious.
The first quarter went back and forth in a deadlock, with both teams exchanging chances. Rowan Harris and the Canadian defense weathered the USA attack and countered late in the first with some pressure.
Natalie Sourisseau, Maddi Thompson, Maddie Secco and Brienne Stairs led the Canadian opportunities in the first half. Despite scoring ventures at both ends, neither team could manage a goal in the first half.
The dam broke in the fourth quarter when Canada struck off a penalty corner. Brienne Stairs handled the loose ball and fired it into the US net. Canada only enjoyed the lead for only 60 seconds as USA countered with a goal. Head Coach Rob Short said one goal can usually ignite offense from both sides.
USA scored again with 4 minutes remaining, putting Canada on its heels at the end of the game. Again, the attack went back and forth for the final few minutes and USA added another marker to seal the deal. Short said that the game was mostly a solid performance, but lacked some discipline and game management.
Short followed up by saying the team is already looking forward to their next match and are aiming to bring their best to each game moving forward in the event.
Canada will now face Trinidad and Tobago in their final pool-play matchup before the crossover rounds. With a win against TTO, Canada will likely advance to play the third placed team from the opposite pool in a quarterfinal.
Women – Chile vs. Argentina : 0-4
Chile hosted Pan American rivals Argentina in their tournament opener. The No. 3-ranked Los Leonas prevailed 4-0 despite an even opening half. Chile held the game scoreless for 27 minutes before an Agostina Alonso rebound broke the deadlock. Maria Granatto and Agustina Gorzelany also got on the board for Argentina.
The first half had shared opportunities as Chile’s Maria Maldonado forced Argentina defenders to contend with her shot at the top of the circle in the opening minutes. It didn’t take Argentina long to show their prowess as Agustina Albertarrio’s long strides allowed her to free up Julieta Jankunas on the left side but the back-hand shot sailed high and wide of the Chilean net.
Chile had two penalty corner chances to open the scoring but neither resulted in a quality shot. Agustina Gorzelany had a penalty corner chance for Argentina but the flick was run down by Chile’s Fernanda Villagran.
A penalty corner hit by Victoria Sauze was the next best opportunity for Argentina but the shot was too high. It wasn’t until a Chilean turnover lead to a fast break down the right side that Chilean keeper Natalia Salvador was forced to make two near-post saves. The third attempt by Alonso beat Salvador to give Argentina the 1-0 lead heading into half time.
Argentina found their second goal on a penalty corner in the 35th minute as a penalty corner touch by Maria Granatto forced the ball to trickle over the line for a 2-0 Leonas lead. Gorzelany made it 3-0 from the penalty stroke mark after a penalty corner shot was stopped on the line by a Chilean body.
In the final quarter Argentina’s experience held Chile to their half despite some gritty defensive work from Camila Caram, Villagran and Salvador. Granatto found her second of the game with a minute left to seal the game at 4-0 for Argentina.
The win pushes the Leonas to the anticipated top of Pool A ahead of their bye while Chile play Uruguay on Jan. 23 at 18h30. In Pool B, Canada will play Trinidad and Tobago at 14h00 and Peru will play USA at 16h15.
To see pictures, game sheets, goals and cards, click here.
