TORONTO, Canada - July 16, 2018 - Yesterday afternoon at the University of Toronto, the U.S. U-15 Men's National Team fell to Quebec 1 in a semifinal match of the Canadian National Championship. This 4-0 defeat places the U-15 USMNT into the bronze medal game against Ontario.

"The boys executed the game plan very well," said Michael Barminski, Jr., U-15 USMNT Head Coach and USMNT Co-Captain. "Their team switched tactics at hal-time and we made the necessary adjustments. However, we were not clean around our own defensive circle, leading to several solid chances for the opposition. Positive movement forward with our pressing movements and variations in our outlet."

At the start of the first quarter, USA struggled to get organized on the defensive end allowing Quebec 1 to punch through several times. Quebec 1 was able to get some shots on goal but each time USA's goalkeeper Russell Smith (Camarillo, Calif.) was there to clear them away. Quebec 1 continued to hold possession for majority of the quarter although the frame finished at 0-0.

USA's defense continued to feel pressure in the second quarter as Quebec 1 earned a penalty corner in the 18th minute, but there was no conversion. Quebec 1 continue to persist and in the 21st minute, Callan McCulloch notched their first field goal off a goalmouth scramble that USA was unable to clear. Just three minutes later, Quebec 1 would extend the lead off a small flick into the corner of the goal by Linus Zillmer. This made the halftime score 2-0.

In the third quarter, Quebec 1 was relentless with their pressure grabbing an early shot on goal which USA's goalkeeper Amar Singh (Santa Clara, Calif.) trapped neatly with his feet and cleared. In the 35th minute, a Quebec 1 penalty corner was successfully defended by Matthew Wong (Alamo, Calif.) who was able to fly quickly and lay down a solid tackle before the shot got off. A second Quebec 1 penalty corner came two minutes later but was not converted. The third attempt in the 37th minute found the back of the net through Zillmer to make the score 3-0. Quebec 1 kept up the pressure and earned another penalty corner chance but Tyler Kim (Fredericksburg, Va.)picked up the ball before the show was even made and played it out of the circle. This continued and on the fifth Quebec 1 penalty corner a high shot toward the corner was saved by A. Singh who got a glove on it but rebound goal came off the play by Hasratjit Hundal. USA rallied toward the end of the third quarter as Agam Sidhu (Fremont, Calif.) had a breakaway, approached Quebec's goalkeeper and a quick dive and sweep of the stick sent the ball off the side of the field.

The final quarter saw USA become more attentive to their play and hold the defensive live with more organization. In the end, they were unable to generate any successful scoring attempts and over the early game deficit. The final score stood in favor of Quebec 1, 4-0.

The U.S. U-15 Men's National Team is currently playing against Ontario in the bronze medal match. For all information regarding the Canadian National Championship, including full schedule, rosters, news and more, check out the event page by clicking here.