CHULA VISTA, Calif. - January 18, 2016 - Heading into the final match of the four-game series, Canada had the distinct edge on the scoreboard. That score line has been narrowing every game with a Team USA squad set out to build upon each match as they gain international experience in preparation for the 2016 Junior Pan American Games. 

"We showed that we can play very competitive hockey and will look to build on this experience for the next time we face Canada," said USMNT athlete Ethan LaSala.  "The 8 days gave the team a great opportunity to improve and utilize the information given to us by the coaches in our meetings and trainings to allow us to close the gap. We need to be sure to implement these lessons moving forwards."

Match four started with a battle of the midfield. From 25 to 25 yard line, Team USA and Canada were trying to win the edge and take advantage of their opportunities. USA defended their circle with strength and poise, limiting Canada’s opportunities to a couple penalty corners and shots that USA’s goal keeper, Hamzah Hashimi handled with confidence. Shortly before the the half, with confusion in Team USA’s defensive end, Canada played a ball to cage that deflected off his pads and was rebounded well by Zaiq Rana, for Canada to go up 1-0 in the 31st minute of the 1st half. The half would end 1-0 in favor of Canada but the momentum was even and USA went into the locker room ready to keep the pressure on in the second half. 

Entering the last half of this four game series, Team USA showcased passion and commitment to building on their first half effort. Team USA was knocking at Canada’s door and were increasing the pressure on the Canadian defense as the game wore on and created a penalty corner however were unable to capitalize in this chances. In the 53rd minute after an outletting error, Canada pounced on the ball on the USA defensive 25 and drove baseline and found Thomas Harris in front of the cage who pushed the ball into the corner. Determined to get a result, Team USA continued to pressure and again earned a chance with another penalty corner however Sean Cicchi’s flick was well saved. The intensity of the game increased greatly and in USA’s favor off a long corner Ajit Parmar fired the ball into the circle and found George McGuigan who deflected the ball into the top corner of the goal in the 66th minute. 

Team USA continued to mount pressure on the Canadian goal and created another couple of chances with the biggest chance in the 69th minute being slammed home by Nick Richardson only to have it declined due to hitting a USA player's body in the circle.

"We showed that we can play very competitive hockey and will look to build on this experience for the next time we face Canada," said USMNT athlete Ethan LaSala.  "The 8 days gave the team a great opportunity to improve and utilize the information given to us by the coaches in our meetings and trainings to allow us to close the gap. We need to be sure to implement these lessons moving forwards."

"The time together for the group was invaluable this week," said USMNT Head Coach Chris Clement. "The players raised their level of performance considerably from the beginning of the week to the final match.We will continue to build on this moving forwards and credit to the entire group for making the progress that they did."

Continue to follow the U-21 USMNT's journey on the way to the 2016 Pan American Games by visiting usafieldhockey.com.