JPAC - DAY 7

Uruguay vs Barbados – Women

Uruguay were clear favourites going into this game and they did not disappoint. They started against the inexperienced Barbados showing dominance from the first minute. Goals flooded in for the Uruguay team as they defeated Barbados 20-0 to progress for an opportunity to claim the 5^th spot of the tournament. The young ladies from Barbados found it difficult to get the ball out of their half. In fact, Uruguayan Milagros Siegal opened the scoring for her team from a penalty corner sweep in the 3^rd minute. In what appeared to replicate a scrimmage, Uruguay would continue to make light work of the Barbadian defense scoring 4 additional goals, 3 of which came from penalty corners and were almost identical in nature. Pilar Lemoine scored the lone field goal of the quarter in the fourth minute, quickly followed by goals from teammates Maria Rodriguez, Josefina Mari and Elisa Civetta in the 8^th, 9^th and 14^th minutes of play respectively. The second quarter would be no different as Uruguay extended their lead. Goals would come from open field play via Elisa Civetta, who netted her second consecutive of the game in the 18^th minute, and Carolina Curcio, who scored twice in this quarter in the 21^st and 28^th minute. Paula Perez added to the debauchery in the 26^th. Not to be left out, Lupe Curutchague would bury her first of 2 goals in the 36^th minute. Uruguay would capitalize on another of the 25 penalty corners they earned throughout the game to push the score to 11 – 0 through Agustina Diaz. 3 more open field goals would follow. 2 of which came in the 39^th minute from the sticks of Pilar Lemoine, scoring her 2^nd of the game and Josefina Reyes. The 3^rd quarter would see 3 goals added to the tally. The perpetrators were Justina Arregui, Carolina Curcio and Lupe Curutchague. By the start of the 4^th quarter the young ladies of Barbados looked defeated but continued to struggle on as they conceded goals in the 45^th, 48^th and 50^th minute. It would be Jacinta Curutchague, Agustina Diaz and Guillermina Carassale this time around. As if this was not enough, Uruguay made it an even 20 in the 60^th minute with an open field goal by Jacinta Curutchague. Although the Barbadians did not have anything to shout about in this game, special mention should go out to their goal keepers Ysobel Jones and Akeylla Ward who did a fantastic job throughout the tournament. It was a big learning curve for the young team, but they appear resilient, and with many of the players being young enough to attend next year’s games, hopefully they viewed this tournament as a teachable one.

Argentina vs Canada – Women

In the first Semifinal on the women's side, Argentina looked to do what the men did, in the form of reaching the final. They dominated the possession in the earlier parts of the game, but Canada's defense proved resilient and made it harder for the Argentine side to create chances. The second half started with more of the same from the sky blue and whites, but Canada's organization meant that this game would head into the half tied at zero. At the end of the break, the South American side started the half again on the front foot, despite being frustrated by Canada's defensive efforts. This eventually paid off as Daiana Pacheca converted from a well executed cross coming through the right flank. Canada continued to mount a fight back as they then tried to create a bit more opportunities for themselves, but it proved all in vain as Argentina would be considered victorious at the final whistle, by the slimmest of margins. Final Score, Argentina 1, Canada zero.

USA vs Chile – Women

In the second semifinal and last game of the day, all was on the line to determine who will join Argentina to play for the highly sought after Pan American Junior title. From the first whistle USA started quickly, with attacks on both sides. They employed a full press to put the Chilean team under immense pressure. Great team structure and efficient communication helped the Chilean ladies guard the goal and saw USA’s early chances go in vain. The 3rd and 15th minute were USA’s most promising chances to get on the scoreboard and take the lead but again, the Chilean goalkeeper Montserrat Araya, managed to deny all scoring opportunities in the 1^st half. Five minutes into the second half, excellent team play, and slick skills saw USA’s Tamer Abigail secure the first goal and put her team in the lead. Moments later in the 39th minute, a critical error in the “D” by a USA defender saw Chilean attacker, Lira Martina pounce onto the ball and secured the equalizer for her team. The scoreline ending the quarter was 1 all. With 15 minutes to play and a spot in the final still up for grabs both teams undoubtedly felt some pressure for the slightest advantage in the form of a goal. USA were the more dominant team in terms of ball possession and goal scoring opportunities with some open play chances and were awarded 3 penalty corners. However, the Chilean defense continued to withstand all pressure applied. In the 56th minute, a clumsy tackle from USA’s Charlotte Bruder put USA at a disadvantage after being sent off by way of obtaining a yellow card. Chile with a woman up, were unable to capitalize on this advantage and both teams dreaded the final whistle which would send the game into penalty shoot outs. USA was first up and set the bar high as they secured their first goal of the shootout. Chile, on the other hand, could not find the nets once as they missed all of their opportunities. USA would score one more goal to win the nail-biting game and set themselves up for a chance to call themselves Junior Pan Am winners.