On Day 2 of the Men's Pan American Cup, Mexico earned their first win, narrowly edging Uruguay, while tournament favorites Argentina sailed past the USA to secure their semi-final berth. Trinidad&Tobago posted a solid 5-2 victory against Brazil and Canada dropped a 2-goal lead and were eventually held to a 2-2 draw by Chile.
Mexico vs. Uruguay 2-1 (0-0)
The day started with Uruguay playing their first match of the tournament today after their unfortunate travel delay after their plane was hit by lightning, but the team was immediately under pressure from the young Mexicans, who had already found their competitive rhythm in their match against Argentina yesterday.
Mexico controlled play in the first half and into the second but they could not score, until a near-goal from Uruguay jolted them awake. The team from Mexico proceeded to produce a double hit that secured victory as Uruguay's late lone goal was too little too late.
A video summary of the match is available here.
USA vs. Argentina 0-8 (0-4)
In the second match of the day, Argentina dominated the proceedings from start to finish, leaving the US boys without a chance. The Argentineans have thus already secured their semi-final berth, ahead of the last round of pool matches.
A video summary of the match is available here.
Brazil vs. Trinidad & Tobago 2-5 (0-2)
Trinidad & Tobago, having finally arrived in Brampton, were obviously eager to get into action and rushed forward from the opening whistle. They scored their first goal in the third minute by their captain, Dwain Quan Chan, from a scramble in front of the Brazilian goal. Brazil settled their nerves and play became more balanced but Brazil could not avoid Trinidad&Tobago veteran and star player Kwan Browne hitting the target towards the end if the first half on a penalty-corner, slotting a powerful ball perfectly in the corner of the goal.
Shortly after the re-start, Brazil narrowed the gap to one goal through Bruno Paes, but only to see T&T rush away with three consecutive goals for a 5-1 lead. Brazil put one more onto the scoreboard with a penalty corner after the seventy minutes had ended, but the win was safely in Trinidad&Tobago's hands.
A video summary of the match is available here.
Chile vs. Canada 2-2 0-2)
The last match of the day was an open battle between Chile and the Canadian hosts, with neither team able to establish an advantage early in the game. Goals from Matthew Guest and Matthew Sarmento eventually established a comfortable halftime lead for Canada, which the home team could not protect in the second half. Two Chilean goals, after cleverly increasing pressure and swooping in when Canada were two players down after a yellow and a green card levelled the scoreline. Canada pushed hard for the win in the final five minutes of play, but the Chilean defense stood well to protect their goal and were soon celebrating their good start in the competition.
A full length video of the match is available here.
For more information on the Men's Pan American Cup in Brampton, please visit the website of the Pan American Hockey Federation. Live streaming from all Pan American Cup matches is also available through the FIH and PAHF websites.
Source: Pan American Hockey Federation
