GREENWICH, Conn. - August 7, 2018 - Yesterday evening, the Junior U.S. Men's National Team played their first match of a four-game test series against Chile at Sacred Heart Greenwich in Connecticut. The high scoring match saw both sides take advantage of scoring opportunities, but it was Chile who matched and extended USA's tempo as the red, white and blue fell 5-7.

"We scored five goals today and we’re obviously very content with that," said Rutger Wiese, Junior USMNT Head Coach. "Our defensive structure was not there but, as with the senior team, that will be a major point of attention as we’re restructuring that part of our game."

Both teams were aggressive from the start, with USA controlling possession for the majority of the first quarter. With three minutes remaining in the period, Liam Hawley (Ventura, Calif.) sent the ball into the circle from the left and a deflection from Cameron Spach (Thousand Oaks, Calif.) gave USA the first score of the contest, 1-0. 

Chile scored two goals in rapid succession early in the second quarter to take the lead, 1-2. The remainder of the second quarter was a back and forth game with USA’s defensive unit shutting down two penalty corner attempts by Chile and creating multiple scoring attempts through the last minute of the frame. 

USA did not let up on the pressure and just after the open of the third quarter, Alberto Montilla (Allen, Texas) received the ball near the 25. With a forehand turn, he passed to Graeme Jackson (Moorpark, Calif.) at the right side who tracked to the top of the circle and made a clean shot into the left back corner to bring USA even with Chile, 2-2. Chile responded shortly thereafter with a pull-ahead goal and a penalty corner conversion to extend their lead, 2-4. USA continued working hard to keep the pressure up and with five minutes left in the third quarter, Montilla passed directly to Spencer Walshaw (Thousand Oaks, Calif.) who got the shot off quickly, not giving Chile’s goalkeeper time to make the save. The intensity of the action continued in the remaining minutes as USA goalkeeper David Kristof (Darien, Conn.) had a terrific save off the glove only to have Chile’s quick reflexes score on the rebound. With only 15 seconds remaining on the clock, USA’s Wander Hommes (Westlake Village, Calif.) set up Montilla for a penalty corner stroke mark deflection goal to bring the score at the end of the quarter to 4-5.       

In the fourth quarter, another quick score pushed the game further out of reach as Chile pulled to a 4-6 lead off a field goal. As the clock ticked down, a shot was saved by Chile’s goalkeeper, but rebounded toward the center of the circle where Montilla was ready with a quick follow-up shot to make it 5-6. Chile responded quickly and scored in the same minute as despite their efforts, USA was defeated by Chile 5-7.

The Junior U.S. Men's National Team will play against, this evening at 6:00 p.m. ET in the second game of the series. Prior to the start of the game is a Free Learn to Play Field Hockey Clinic. Boys and girls, ages 5+, are invited to attend this opportunity to try the sport and learn from the USMNT coaching staff. Click here for more information or to register.

For more information regarding the Junior USMNT vs. Chile series, including full schedule, results and roster, check out the official event program by clicking here.