CHULA VISTA, Calif. - January 15, 2016 - In the second match of a four-game test series, Canada defeated the U.S. U-21 Men's National Team by a score of 4-0. Making exceptional growth through the first two matches against international competition is all part of the preparation path as Team USA leads up to the Junior Pan American Games in May.
“We showed significant improvement in all areas on the field," said Rutger Wiese, U.S. U-21 Men's National Team Coach. "We competed for 65 minutes today but sold ourselves short in the last final minutes giving up two goals. I am really happy with how the boys responded after yesterday's heavy defeat, and if this is any indication for the future, the road ahead looks promising for our program. Our boys took a huge step forward today in their development and that's what this training camp and practice matches are for.”
Looking to build from match ones lessons, Team USA came out strong and gained valuable international caliber experience in the second test match.The first half was an even contest with both sides earning opportunities in the circle. Majority of possession was played between the 25 yard lines where it was a battle of the midfield. Team USA's goalkeeper Hamzah Hashimi (Granada Hills, Calif.) saw a handful of shots and maintained his composure to deny any Canadian chances to close out the half at 0-0.
After deliberations by the coaches and players at halftime, both teams came out with the needed adjustments to maintain fierce competition in the second half. Canada was able to capitalize in 38th minute on a backhand field goal by Findlay Boothroyd from the top of the circle that found its way into the near corner of the cage.
A great effort by Team USA’s midfield just wasn’t sharp enough to maintain pressure and prevent another Canadian goal in the 44th minute of play. A quick free hit taken by Canada's Balraj Panesar inside the attacking quarter of the field created just enough space to get off a backhand shot that sailed past the left foot of Team USA’s goalkeeper, Jayce Lewis (Moorpark, Calif.).
Unphased by two goals in 6 minutes of play, Team USA continued to break Canada's press and create entries into Canada’s attacking third. USA was unlucky to not get more return for their defensive efforts. Canada earned a penalty stroke that was stopped by Lewis. It wasn't until 64th and 66th minutes where Canada was able to capitalize on loose play by Team USA and convert on two more field goals to round out the scoring to USA 0, Canada 4.
“We aren’t focusing on the loss for being a loss," said Doug Alison (Westlake Village, Calif.), USMNT athlete. "We are looking to improve each game as we have from match one. Our lapses in discipline cost us goals but we are looking forward to recovering tomorrow and coming out with a new sense of urgency on Sunday.”
The series will continue on Sunday, January 17 with game three held at 10:30 a.m. PST.