Argentina and USA are the only teams remaining unbeaten at the Women's Pan American Cup in Bermuda, after wins over the other semi-final hopefuls Canada (4-0) and Chile (2-0). Mexico and Trinidad & Tobago earn their first win of the competition over Jamaica and Bermuda.
Jamaica - Mexico : 1 - 4
Mexico overcame the Jamaican women's team 4-1 under cloudy, chilly condition at the Bermuda National Hockey Center. Mexico had the better of game in the first half but Jamaica took a 1-0 lead with a 31st minute goal from senior player Nicole Grant through a penalty corner. By then, Mexico had squandered eight penalty corners.
Mexico's hard work paid off in the 35th minute when midfielder Mara Mitzy executed a penetrative pass to split the defense followed by skillful stick work from Lilia Flores Hernandez to force a penalty stroke in the first half. Ahidee Catillo Marin converted to bring the game level at 1-1 and Mexico continued to enjoy the better of the exchanges in the second half.
After 13 attempts, they finally converted a penalty corner in the 57th minute from Michel Navarro Hernandez. Mexico then took the game out of Jamaica's reach through a field goal from Margarita Paredes Rodriquez in the 60th minute. A bad pass from defender Chantel Russel gave Mexico a two-on-one and a soft goal to finish the game 4-1.
USA - Chile : 2 - 0
USA continued on their quest to qualify for the 2010 World by defeating Chile 2-0. In the first half, USA played the better game and created some opportunities, but it was not until the 21st minute that they counter-attacked with quick passes and heard the crashing sound of the backboard as Keli Smith gave them a 1-0 lead.
Chile never let up and created a couple of opportunities but were unsuccessful. In the 34th minute, USA's captain Carrie Lingo completed a penalty corner to take a 2-0 lead at the end of the first half.
The second half saw action at both ends of the pitch with the USA having more ball possession. Tiffany Snow missed an easy tap in at the 67th minute, which highlighted the USA's inability to capitalize on their opportunities. However, the USA registered a total of six points and a spot in the playoff.
Trinidad & Tobago - Bermuda : 7 - 0
The Caribbean champions, Trinidad & Tobago got their first three points by defeating the host, Bermuda, 7-0. Impressive stick work from Blair Wynne and a final touch from senior player Stacy Sui Butt gave Trinidad & Tobago the lead in the 24th minute. From a penalty corner, Wynne avoided a tackle and drag flicked a shot past the Bermuda's custodian to end the first half 2-0.
Trinidad & Tobago continued to dominate the game with Sui Butt netting her second goal in the 45th minute. Trinidad and Tobago should be pleased with their penalty corners as senior player Nicole Aming scored a hat-trick and Tonia-Marie James' deflection off Nicole Aming's shot meant a final score of 7-0.
Argentina - Canada : 4- 0
Although Canada goalkeeper Azelia Liu, had a stellar performance, the world's second ranked team, Argentina won 4-0 to put them one more step closer to the title.
Argentina pressed Canada from the start of the game and got a penalty stroke, which Noel Barrionuevo converted for a 1-0 lead in the 13th minute of the game. Barrionuevo scored her second goal from a penalty corner to end the first half 2-0.
In the second half, the Canadians played a more offensive game and got two penalty corners for their hard work, but could not convert. The Argentines added two more goals from Daniela Srouga and Yanina Rojas to end the game 4-0 and amass a total of six points in the tournament
For more information, results, reports and pictures, check the Pan American Hockey Federation website by clicking here.
