TORONTO, Canada - July 21, 2018 - Yesterday, the U.S. U-18 Men's National Team wrapped up play at the Canadian National Championship in their second consolidation game. Facing Ontario East, who previously beat USA in pool play 4-1, the red, white and blue knew they needed to make the most of their scoring opportunities and play defensively sound. Two well-executed first half goals assisted USA on their way to a 3-0 shutout to finish the U-18 Men's Division.
"This morning was another step in the right direction," said Alex Grassi, U-18 USMNT Head Coach and USMNT Athlete. "Proud of the boys for continuing their progress and finishing the tournament with a win. There is still room for improvement and the boys have another opportunity this afternoon against an even higher quality team."
USA was determined to apply lessons learned in the first few games and looked forward to a second chance against Ontario East. USA's defense provided support while the strikers applied offensive pressure with multiple scoring opportunities present in the first five minutes of play. In the 10th minute, USA’s Puneet Singh (San Jose, Calif.) ripped a backhand shot from left of the goal and teammate Jatin Sharma (South San Francisco, Calif.) was in position to deflect the shot in to give USA a 1-0 lead. USA maintained possession for the remainder of the first quarter.
Ontario increased their level of intensity and earned their first corner at in the 21st minute, with no conversation as the shot went over the goal. Ontario's second attempt less than a minute later was cleared by USA goalkeeper Galvin Stuart (Old Saybrook, Conn.). Both teams continued looking for openings when, with three minutes left in the second period, Singh was again able to connect wit Sharma in the circle for the last touch necessary to extend USA's lead to 2-0 at the end of the half.
Five minutes into the third quarter, USA attacked the circle and Ontario’s goalkeeper moved out of the goal and began diving for the ball. Spencer Walshaw (Thousand Oaks, Calif.) fed the ball to Damien Tarala (Hong Kong, China) who lifted it over the fallen goalkeeper only to have it land atop of the goal itself. USA earned a penalty corner at 40th minute and Alex Curtis (London, United Kingdom) scored on a drag flick down the center for the third goal for the red, white and blue.
Ontario continued to try to break through USA’s defense for the remainder of the game. USA stuck to the game plan and maintained their composure defending four more penalty corners before the final whistle. The final score stood 3-0 to USA.
Following the U-15 men's tournament, USA's Curtis was named to the Boys Tournament 11 following his performance.
"It’s always good to end a tournament on a high note, and we did today," said Will Holt, U-18 USMNT Assistant Coach and USMNT Athlete. "The boys deserved this one and showed it through their mental toughness and relentless defensive effort."
The U.S. U-18 Men's National Team will turn around and participate in the U-23 Men's Division for the opportunity to continue to work together and develop as a team. For all information regarding the Canadian National Championship, including full schedule, rosters, news and more, check out the event page by clicking here.
