Team USA Shows Controlled Persistence to Nab Victory in Final Mexico Match

CHULA VISTA, Calif. – August 9, 2014 – The U.S. Men’s National Team rounded out their six-match series against Mexico earlier today and walked off the pitch with a 3-1 victory, maintaining their streak of going undefeated in the last 12 matches.

“Today showed a controlled performance at the end of a series where we were able to dictate the speed and direction of the game,” said Head Coach Chris Clements. “All of our players contributed to the series result and today’s final match again was a step in the right direction. The team has gained some invaluable experience over the summer to date and the players have worked incredibly hard to generate the quality of play to be undefeated after 12 games. We are hungry for more and thankful for the support that we have received to date.”

Team USA started the match off very well, creating chances from the first whistle and showing that they were hungry for a victory in the final match of the series. After a controlled start, Paul Singh (Simi Valley, Calif.) found the back of the net on a penalty corner variation with a pinpoint pass from Mohan Gandhi (Ventura, Calif.) at the 20 minute mark. The momentum continued and only three minutes later, Sean Cicchi (Thousand Oaks, Calif.) carried the ball past multiple defenders, resulting in a shot that Christian Linney (San Diego, Calif.) collected the rebound and slapped past the keeper.

The possession remained in Team USA’s hands for the remainder of the half and entered the break with the most controlled half of the series being played. After the break, the U.S. continued its control in the match and forced three penalty corners which could not find the back of the cage. On the fourth corner of the second half, a variation had Will Holt (Camarillo, Calif.) flick the ball low into the left corner of the cage, putting Team USA up 3-0. Mexico was able to get on the scoreboard before the final whistle resulting in the 3-1 victory for the U.S.

The USA started the series with a 6-1 win over Mexico. The following day, the National Team created a victory of 8-0. Halfway through the series Team USA captured their third win with a score of 2-1. Wednesday the United States left the pitch victorious 5-1. Yesterday’s match saw the first draw of the series, with a score of 3-3.