Gold Medal: United States 2 v Argentina 1
United States started this match with a slight edge haven beaten Argentina 4-2 earlier in pool play. Argentina had the first good opportunity as Juliana Rios Ferreyra got her stick on a ball that deflected wide. They kept on the pressure and Josefina Castaneda earned a corner that they were unable to control at the top of the circle.
Katie Gerzabek earned the first penalty corner for the USA, Ali Campbell’s shot was charged down by Maria Pastor to hold the score at 0-0. A strong defensive challenge by Americas Anarose McDonough prevented a Carina Guzman attempt at goal. Argentina was a player down to end the first half but the USA couldn’t take advantage and the match ended scoreless at half.
Argentina began to move the ball round well in the second half with flowing attacks putting the USA on their back foot. Hanna Prince and Campbell were steady in the USA backfield. Paityn Wirth was able to quickly control a ball on the counter attack and earn the USA a penalty corner. The direct strike was sailed high by Ali Campbell.
The USA would not be denied in their next chance. Gerzabek was in close and slapped the ball home after a pretty passing play for the first goal of the match. Argentina struck back quickly, a seemingly innocent pass found its’ way to Emma Yanzi who sent a screaming shot past Samantha Carlino to equalize.
The USA wasted no time and drove up the field on the push back and were awarded a penalty stroke. Who else but Campbell stepped up to bury the shot in the top of the goal to put the USA ahead
Now with the extra player for the final two minutes, Argentina pressed forward. First Yanzi had a reverse stick shot that hit the post, then with no time left Argentina earned a corner. Their layoff attempt drifted over the end line and the USA bench emptied for the celebration. USA beat Argentina 2-1 in dramatic fashion to hoist the Indoor Pan American Cup.
Bronze Medal: Canada 2 v Uruguay 3
Canada was looking to repeat their 2-1 pool match win against Uruguay to win the Bronze medal. Uruguay had the stronger start with quick goals from Maria Teresa Viana Ache and Camila de Maria. Kathleen Leahy got one back for Canada before Uruguay took a timeout to reset. They held for a bit until Alison Lee pulled the match even with a blistering penalty corner to level the game 2-2 at half time
Lee had another corner attempt that was blocked by Carolina Mutilva. Canadas next corner was ssent to the top of the circle where Kathleen Leahy’s shot was blocked by Rosanna Paselle. Agustina Nieto of Uruguay made an amazing stick save on an Anglela Lancaster corner shot to keep the score level.
This changed the momentum for Uruguay. They countered and earned a penalty corner driving the circle. De Maria made no mistake with a powerful strike into the side mesh. Canada pushed to get the equalizer and earned a penalty corner deep in the Uruguay circle. That was bravely run down by Viana Ache who took the powerful Lee strike in the left leg. Uruguay had the next corner and Algorta’s drag flick was block by Kathryn Williams. The next PC was saved on the line by Lee to keep Canada within one.
Canada took a timeout and pulled their keep for the final 80 seconds. They had a number of incursions in the Uruguay circle but couldn’t generate a solid chance at goal. Uruguay come away with the Bronze Medal with a 3-2 victory over Canada.
Fifth Place: Trinidad & Tobago 3 v Guyana 1
Trinidad & Tobago looked to repeat their pool match performance against Guyana where they came from behind to win 6-3. Early on they controlled the ball and smartly earned a penalty corner up the right side. Alysa Xavier in the Guyana made a smart save against a Kristin Thompson drag flick.
A quick spin move by Laticia Chung resulted in a Guyana corner that was well defended by Alanna Lewis. TTO responded with two penalty corners the second resulting in an penalty stroke. That was slapped against the backboard by Lewis to give TTO the lead.
Guyana quickened their pace; Gabriella Xavier and Leigh Sandison had circle incursions but couldn’t generate chances. TTO entered the half with a 1-0 lead.
The second half had TTO extending their lead with a powerful penalty corner blast by Arielle Williams. Guyana was quick to bounce back with an excellent run by Marzan Fiedtkou to generate a penalty stroke. Feidtkow herself stepped up to convert and half the margin.
In the closing minutes Guyana pulled their keeper to siege the TTO goal with six attackers. As they pressed forward Blair Wynne stole a ball, ran the length of the pitch to score and secure 5th place for Trinidad & Tobago.
Player of the Tournament: Ali Campbell (USA)
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Kathryn Williams (CAN)
Leading Goalscorer: Ali Campbell (USA), 19 goals
Junior Player of the Tournament: Sammy Popper (USA)
