"We got the travel day out of us and brought a whole new energy to the field," said Michael Barminski, U.S. Men's National Team co-captaiin. "The team had great concerted efforts on defense to maintain minimal action inside our circle. Excited for the semifinals today."

USA began the match with high speed and showed improvements in communication, passing and outletting. Alberta had very few chances to make it across the center line as USA dominated possession in the first quarter. USA brought the same intensity throughout the first half, including a shot on goal by Wyatt Katz (Santa Rose Valley, Calif.). That was followed by a play by Danish Singh (Phoenix, Ariz.) who brought the ball up the left side who then made a hard hit to Namit Mangat (Glendale, Pa.) for a field goal in the 16th minute to put USA on the board first. USA continued to attack and move the ball well with one of the newest and youngest squad members, Sekayi Charasika (Louisville, Ky.), who executed a notable double elimination pass to Tyler Kim (Fredericksburg, Va.) up to Agam Sidhu (Fremont, Calif.) for a quick transition up the field. Just before the half ended, USA had a penalty stroke opportunity to extend their lead, but the attempt was successfully blocked by Alberta goalkeeper, Josh Dick.

After the half, Alberta regrouped and came out quickly, applying pressure on USA. This forced forcing USA goalkeeper Amar Singh (Santa Clara, Calif.) into action with a save moments into the half. USA responded quickly with a shot and two rebounds by Katz and Colin Kirkpatrick (Annville, Pa.). The red, white and blue continued to break down Alberta’s defense, and while Alberta earned two early penalty corners, were unable to convert on either attempt. USA continued to pursue a strong finish to the final whistle. In the 48th minute Katz pushed the ball towards the goal, which was then deflected by an Alberta defender into the air, allowing Russell Smith (Camarillo, Calif.) to bat the ball into the goal to make it 2-0 for USA. In the final minutes, USA nearly extended the lead when Noah Mendoza (Monument, Colo.) shot from the left side. Dick cleared the ball to the opposite side where Matthew Wong (Alamo, Calif.) was waiting to shoot the rebound right back. Dick made another clear to the top of the circle, where Mangat made another quick attempt to score but was denied. USA continued to create opportunities with a few more attempts ending the game at 2-0.