Guyana vs Brazil – Men
The first game would see a match up between two South American teams battle for the 5th spot in the tournament. Both teams have seemingly been improving with each game, but it would be Guyana who maintained the bulk of the ball possession throughout the game. The team playing in green looked the most threatening in the half, stringing together some excellent passes and playing intelligent hockey. However, Brazil would absorb the pressure by keeping their defense organized. The youngsters of Brazil in their blue and yellow created their share of opportunities attacking down the flanks; but it would be a penalty corner goal by Shaquon Favourite in the 27th minute that would be the difference maker to give Guyana a 1-0 lead in the second quarter. On the other end just 2 minutes later, what seemed to be a lapse in focus by the Guyanese defense, would see the Brazilians take advantage of a well executed field goal by Lucas Varela to level the scores going into the half. The 3rd quarter would begin really intense as Brazil extended their lead by way of a flat drag flick deflection from a penalty corner in the 34th minute. This time, it was Luiz Santoro to add his name to the scoresheet. It would be Brazil who dropped their guard after securing the lead this time. Warren William of Guyana would find the back of the bars by launching a low but powerful reverse stick shot from the left side of the “D”. The 3rd quarter would remain 2 all as the Brazilian goalkeeper Danilo Brosco was forced to make a diving save to his right to prevent a shot on target from finding the back of the nets. 15 minutes to the end of play, both teams looked poised to take the lead as they created some close opportunities. However, neither were able to convert their chances which meant that a penalty shootout would ensue. Deadlocked at 2-2, the winner of the shootout would place 5th overall in the tournament. Missing 3 of their penalties, Brazil would be on the losing end of today’s game. Load roars could be heard around the field as fans favoured Guyana, who maintained composure and were the victors.
USA vs Chile – Men
In a game that decided the 3rd and 4th place finishers in the tournament, it did not take Chile long to affect the scoreline. As the ball was worked onto the right side of the field, a cross came in from Raemundo Valenzuela, finding its way through a crowded defense. Sebastian Loehnert Baeza still had work to do but managed to remain composed as he scored the first goal of the encounter. As the afternoon grew older, the Chilean side found it easier to get in more crosses and this continuous pressure soon paid off as they scored again through Acevedo. Amar Singh initially did well to save the drag flick effort but did not do enough to stop Joaquin Acevedo from converting Chile’s 2nd. Chile’s 3rd came 2 minutes after, when Alexei De Witt took the ball from 35 yards out and carried it himself to finish with a perfectly placed reverse shot. This meant that the team would go into the half Chile 3, USA 0. As the second half started, the contest continued to be a back and forth one, but Chile wasted no time as Sebastian Loehnert Baeza added his second and Chile’s 4th leaving the US with a lot of work ahead. The United States did manage to get their names on the scoresheet through nice build up play that resulted in the first shot being saved but Brett Eisner made sure it crossed the line with a diving effort. Chile continued to pressure the US as they looked for more but at the final Whistle, the final score read Chile 4, United States of America 1. This result would mean that Chile are medal winnings rounding up the 3rd spot on the podium.
Argentina vs Canada – Men Final
The gold medal match saw favorites and undefeated Argentina face underdogs Canada to crown the champions of the Junior Pan American region. A blistering start and electric atmosphere saw Argentina dominate from the start as Bautista Capurro walked over the Canadian defense to send his team to a 1-0 lead in the 1st minute. After an early goal from Argentina, Canada regrouped and withstood the constant Argentine pressure to see the quarter out. Although well organized, Canada’s defense seemed to have collapsed as the Argentine pressure continued with goals in the 18th, 23rd and 27th minute. Contributing 2 more goals to this tally, Bautista Capurro scored his hat trick and gave Argentina a comfortable 4-0 lead. With time left and a never die attitude, Canada did not give up. A brilliant attack saw them win a penalty stroke allowing Maansarovar Sidhu to put them on the scoreboard. With the game now 4-1, Canada appeared to regain some confidence and looked hopeful to challenge for the title. As tempers raised and the game pressed on, the moment exuded passion from players which resulted in tough tackles causing team Argentina to go down four players and a chance for Canada to again get on the scoreboard. Not rattled by the number of players off the field, Argentina showed why they are formidable opponents, as again Bautista Capurro scored for the 4th time in this game pushing Argentina closer and closer to raising the cup. It would all be over when the Argentines were back to full strength. Captain fantastic Inaki Minadeo flicked the ball high in the net after his team won a penalty corner. The final whistle would blow, and the dust would settle on the men’s competition with Argentina being unbeaten in the tournament and winning the final 6-1.
