(5-8) Mexico - Bermuda : 10 - 1

Bermuda and Mexico opened the fourth day of the Pan American U 17 Tournament at the Carrasco Polo Club. Both countries dreamt with the chance to fight for the fifth place. The Mexican girls won 10-1.

The first half was ruled by Mexico; blocking their rivals, and capitalizing the opportunities to score, and with an excellent performance at penalty corners.

Bermuda tried to get into Mexican’s pitch but was unable to escape from their pressure. They only worked to support the Aztecs attack.

In the second half, although under Mexican domain, Bermuda was able to show some weak attacks. One of these gave them the unique goal in the tournament after a good run of Lorina Harvey (#12). The goal gave a breath to Bermuda who now went for more goals.

Mexico never lost the pace and the good team work that lead them to the victory to play for the fifth place against the winner of the match between Uruguay and Paraguay.

(5-8) Uruguay - Paraguay : 6 - 0

The second match of the day was the time of Uruguay and Paraguay. The host country won 6-0 with a great performance.

The first half showed a concentrate Uruguay, trying to void Paraguay from attack. The “pale blues” pressure and blocking gave the chance to de Kaisuami Dall´Orso, captain of Uruguayan team to score.

The Uruguayan went to the break leading 2-0 after loosing a good number of opportunities, especially when they had to capitalize from penalty corners.

The second half confirmed Uruguayan good performance, this time with an open play causing the breach of their rival defense. Uruguay found the way and reached Paraguay’s area clearer. On the other hand, Paraguay was unable to pass thru Uruguay’s lines and had to play from his back line

Good match for Uruguay who now faces the fight for the fifth place against Mexico, next Saturday.

(semi) Chile - Canada : 1 - 4

Chile and Canada played the third match of the day at the Carrasco Polo Club. This was a very important match, and gave Canada the opportunity to the finals to fight for a ticket to 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.

The game started at great speed for both. These two teams have showed very good hockey and level throughout the tournament. This game showed more of their good performance.

Although the first half was quite balanced it was Canada the first to score from the right side after an individual run of Emma Plasteras. Immediately Chile went for the goal and managed to equal the score with a well executed penalty corner. It could have been the chance of Canada to score again but Chilean goalkeeper, Natalia Salvador, saved a penalty shot.

It wasn’t long till Canada got the 3-1, and gained the lead of the rest of the game.

(semi) Argentina - USA : 3 - 1

The last game of the day was between Argentina and USA, both playing for a place in the finals. The Argentinean girls defeated the Americans 3- 1.

The Argentinean girls came to the pitch decided to win the game. From the very start they blocked their rival, US, and scored right away their first goal after a great penalty corner. US recovered quickly and stroke just before the end of the first half.

The second half was quite balanced, both teams fought for the ball trying to score. Both teams showed a very good performance in each ball they played, but it was Argentina who managed to net again from a penalty corner striking two goals in a minute. Argentina has capitalized most of the penalty corners throughout the tournament.

With this victory Argentina has gained the chance to fight at the finals against Canada next Saturday.