The whole lot was on the road and neither workforce held again, however Argentina held on for a fourth-quarter purpose to win 2–1 towards the USA, taking house their eighth Pan American gold medal and finally secured their ticket for the 2024 Olympic Video games in Paris. The USA pulled their goalkeeper with three minutes to go and even earned two penalty corners, however couldn’t discover a option to tie the sport.
It was a spirited affair with the US protection shining from begin to end and though Argentina had the lion’s share of possession, they didn’t generate the precision scoring alternatives they’re recognized for. The Leonas had ten penalty corners, in comparison with the US’s two, and it was a fortunate quick break that led to the US’ penalty, which tied the match at 1-1.
Alexandra Hammel, Ashley Hoffman and Beth Yeager have been implausible within the backfield, whereas Meredith Sholder supported the American midfield at quarterback.
For Argentina, the little issues up entrance did not go their means as Julieta Jankunas, Delfina Thome and Maria Granatto did not appear to suit collectively. Nonetheless, a brief interval of panic led to a sequence of penalty corners early within the match. Agustina Gorzelany buried a play after two have been turned away by the American protection, giving Argentina a 1-0 lead.
Within the second quarter, the US largely defended its 23, however they did so bravely. American goalkeeper Kelsey Bing denied two extra penalty corners from Gorzelany. Late within the second, Sofia Toccalino fired a ball in direction of purpose and the rebound got here off Bing’s pads for Maria Campoy, however the shot flew simply broad of the submit.
It was on the subsequent play {that a} ball broke unfastened for the US and so they ran down the center of the sphere. A ball floated by means of visitors for Ashley Sessa, who brilliantly turned the ball into area however was obstructed on her shot to pressure a penalty. Argentina appealed the decision, however the video referral favored the US and Sessa made no mistake, burying the match previous Clara Barberi and tying the match at 1–1.
Argentina got here out in full firepower and Bing was known as into motion because of the speedy succession of Argentine assaults. Gorzelany had one other likelihood to regain Argentina’s lead, however her shot flew excessive over the crossbar. Extra possibilities got here as Argentina discovered area to chop throughout the pitch by means of the American midfield, however Thome’s shot flew over the goalmouth and out the opposite finish and Campoy fired a shot excessive over the crossbar. Valentina Costa had an opportunity from a penalty nook, however her shot additionally went over the web.
As the sport progressed, the physicality elevated. Jankunas was despatched off within the fourth inning with a yellow card, subsequent to American Sholder, and left with a inexperienced. The stress on the US elevated and finally they broke. A bouncing free purpose throughout the circle was brilliantly deflected into the American purpose by Eugenia Trinchinetti, giving Argentina some much-needed reduction.
With three minutes left within the match, coach David Passmore persuaded Bing to go for the additional participant, because the US was in Argentina’s territory. They patiently labored the ball by means of the backfield searching for an entry. Though they have been unable to beat the circle, a tough problem from Victoria Sauze on the quick Sessa did earn the USA a penalty nook. That likelihood was squandered by an attacking Argentinian protection, who then virtually counter-attacked for an empty purpose.
The US had a closing penalty nook with solely seconds left on the clock, however once more Argentina was in a position to make the block and run out the clock. The Leonas have been pushed into the ultimate seconds of the match, however Trinchinetti’s deflection gave them the 2-1 victory and a profitable protection of their 2019 Pan American title.
Earlier within the day, two penalty nook targets from Denise Rojas Losada ensured Chile beat Canada 2-0 for the bronze medal. Uruguay scored three targets in Cuba to take fifth place, whereas Trinidad and Tobago defeated Mexico 1-0 for seventh place.
Last rating:
- Argentina (Gold, certified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Video games)
- USA (silver, certified for FIH Olympic qualifying match)
- Chile (Bronze, certified for FIH Olympic qualifying match)
- Canada (certified for FIH Olympic qualifying occasion)
- Uruguay
- Cuba
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Mexico
written by Ali Baggott for PAHF/FIH