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Men - Final - Argentina vs. Chile: 5-1
Argentina and Chile met in the Final of the 2022 Pan American Cup at the Prince of Wales Country Club in Santiago de Chile, in front of a full stadium, as the day before for the women's Final. The experienced Argentine team was ready to show their superior class, while Chile wanted to show that they should also be respected, especially at home in front of their fans.
Argentina won cleanly, although they were not able to score in the first quarter. However, in the second quarter, Santiago Tarazona and Maico Casella scored within two minutes, suddenly pushing the score to 2-0 for Argentina.
Chile continued to apply pressure on the Argentinian defense and managed to score in the 41st minute, Felipe Renz batting skilfully in goal a high rebound from a penalty-corner.
Chile had several other circle penetrations, but could not score.
The difference happened in the 4th quarter, with three goals in quick succession (53', 56' and 60') from José Tolini, Martín Ferreiro and finally Maico Casella, for a final score of 5-1, a score severe for a very valiant Chilean team.
Argentina climbed once again on the higher step of the Pan American Cup podiums, with qualification for the 2022 World Cup as a bonus. Silver medalist Chile also won an historic first qualification to a World Cup.
Another excellent Pan American tournament came to an end, despite the challenges, but with teams on the field and spectators in the stands.
Men - 3rd-4th - Canada vs. USA: 3-1
The Canadian Red Caribou got the job done, defeating USA 3-1, to earn the Pan American Cup bronze medal, a small concession after losing out on World Cup qualification days earlier. Fin Boothroyd, Gordon Johnston and Matthew Barnett got on the board for Canada, while Jack Heldens notched the lone goal for USA.
Nine world ranking spots stand between Canada and the USA. The Americans had one of their strongest Pan American showings of recent after defeating Canada 2-1 in pool-play and losing only in shootouts after a scoreless semifinal game against Chile. For Canada, pride was on the line after failing to miss the Pan American Cup finals for the first time since 1971.
It was an evenly paced match up with few chances in the opening half. Jack Heldens got things moving for the USA in the second quarter. The 24-year-old out-paced the Canadian defence line and his cross to Vincent Heller caught a Canadian foot in the circle for the game’s opening penalty corner. This led to a series of corners for USA flicker Aki Kaeppeler. The first was blocked by a streaking Brendan Guraliuk, while a miss trap on the second allowed a third chance. Kaeppeler’s flick was saved by the glove of Antoni Kindler but the ball rebounded high into the air and was knocked down and in by Heldens for the 1-0 USA lead.
Canada’s first opportunity came in the 21st minute when Guraliuk crafted his way in to the American circle on the right side. He found the stick of Matthew Sarmento who deflected the ball to of Boothroyd but the shot was denied well by Jonathan Klages in the USA goal.
Less than a minute later Canada had back-to-back penalty corner chances. Johnston had shots on both but Klages and the USA back four continued to keep Canada off the board.
The USA had a chance to double their lead in the 23rd minute when the speedy Alberto Montilla crossed the ball to a seemingly open Heldens. The rush created chaos in front of the Canadian net and resulted in a USA penalty corner. Pat Harris’ flick was too high into the body of Guraliuk rushing out and the game remained 1-0 for USA at half time.
Canada started strong in the third quarter and were rewarded in the 34th minute. Balraj Panesar patiently drew multiple defenders to the baseline before tossing the ball across the goal to a wide open Boothroyd. Boothroyd took a touch to control and then swept the ball up and into the untended net to draw the game level 1-1.
Canada found their go-ahead goal with all credit going to Johnston. His long aerial into the American circle led to a Canadian penalty corner. A clever option with Johnston deceptively sliding the ball left to Keegan Pereira led to a shot and juicy rebound off Klages’ right boot. Sarmento cleverly touched the ball to Johnston who blasted the ball in to go up 2-1 and bury his 10th goal of the tournament.
James Kirkpatrick set up Canada’s third goal when he smashed the ball across the circle. A charging Barnett was to redirect in for a 3-1 Canada lead.
USA was unable to mount a come-back in the final quarter and while Canada ends their tournament with a win, both teams leave Santiago disappointed without a World Cup berth.
Final Standings:
1) Argentina (qualified for the 2022 World Cup)
2) Chile (qualified for the 2022 World Cup)
3) Canada
4) USA
5) Mexico
6) Brazil
7) Trinidad & Tobago
Player of the Tournament: Matías REY, ARG
Goal-keeper of the Tournament: Gonzalo SEGURA, MEX
Top-scorer of the Tournament: Gordon JOHNSTON, CAN, 10 goals
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