TORONTO, Canada - July 17, 2018 - On the final day of the U-15 men’s Canadian National Championship, the U.S. U-15 Men’s National Team had one goal in mind, walk away with a medal. They faced an Ontario team set out for revenge, who lost by a lofty seven goals in their semifinal game. As the teams took the turf, they knew it was going to be a battle from start to finish but it was USA who tallied the only goal of the game on their way to win bronze.

“Strong finish for the boys,” said Michael Barminski, Jr., U-15 USMNT Head Coach and USMNT Co-Captain. “Best game by far for us as a team. Great individual hustle and commitment to our game plan.”

USA opened play with good ball movement and communication which helped build up positive forward movement. On several occasions, USA tried to penetrate the circle and on one attempt Tyler Kim (Fredericksburg, Va.) got a shot off that sailed clear off the top of the goal. Both teams were eager to get on the scoreboard, but the first quarter ended deadlocked at 0-0.

Play through the second quarter was pretty even. Ontario earned a penalty corner two minutes in, but the shot was blocked and cleared by Corey Dykema (Newport News, Va.). In the 24th minute, USA reciprocated and earned a penalty corner that Brett Eisner (Lafayette, Calif.) drilled into the back of the goal to give USA the 1-0 advantage. Ontario tried to answer but to no avail, leaving the score set at halftime.

At the start of the third quarter, USA took the field looking confident and hoped to increase their lead. Under a minute in, USA earned a penalty corner opportunity but was unable to convert. USA’s defensive corner unit dismantled two attempts by Ontario toward the end of the frame, keeping the score intact going into the final fifteen minutes.

Ontario intensified their effort to manufacture a goal in the fourth quarter as they knew time was against them. Back-to-back penalty corners in the opening three minutes and a final attempt at the 12-minute mark of the quarter for Ontario were shaky situations for USA, but there was no conversation. As a last resort, a kicking back was put in play for Ontario, but USA continued to play with composure to close out the game at 1-0. This finish earned the team the bronze out of seven teams.

Following the U-15 men's tournament, USA's Eisner was named to the Boys Tournament 11 following his performance.

“This tournament was great for the boys,” added Barminski. “For half of the team, this was their first time coming abroad and representing the USA. A lot of professionalism was gained.”

“I’d like to thank the involved parents for their contributions toward the development of USA’s next generation of Olympic hopefuls.”

The U-18 men’s Canadian National Championship commences today with the U.S. U-18 Men’s National Team facing off against the BC Rams at 8:15 p.m. ET. For all information regarding the Canadian National Championship, including full schedule, rosters, news and more, check out the event page by clicking here.

Photo Courtesy of Kevin Underhill