Argentina Impressive on First Day of Play

By Yan Huckendubler, PAHF Media Officer

May 13, 2004

The 2nd Men's Pan American Cup opened yesterday in a bright spring day at University of Western Ontario in London, Canada.

Argentina and Venezuela were the first in action, and the Argentineans didn't waste any time, scoring in the second minute of play by Juan Garreta, who only needed to gently tap the ball into goal after a quick series of passes in the D.

Argentina consistently displayed that they are in fine form on their way to Athens. They had little problem maintaining complete control of the game, with Venezuela struggling to defend against their quick passes and combinations. Venezuelan goalkeeper Luis Enrique saved a penalty stroke but couldn't prevent Argentina to reach halt-time with a commending 6-0 lead.

Six of the Argentinean players only arrived in London late Tuesday, after playing for their European clubs on Sunday, but that didn't seem to affect their pace and Argentina cruised to an easy 16-0 victory, with Jorge Lombi scoring 10 goals (a personal best as far as he can recall!) and putting an early claim on the competition Top Goal Scorer Trophy.

Chile and Puerto Rico took to the field next. Chilean Captain Felipe Montegu was the first on the score sheet with a decisive shot in the roof of the net after. only 40 seconds of play. Puerto Rico has a young team and they were not able to contain the experienced Chilean team in the early stages of the game. Chile was quickly up 4-0 (18') but Puerto Rico's aggressive defense managed to frustrate Chile and no more goals were scored before halftime.

However, with the sun getting hotter, Puerto Rico was not able to sustain their physical play in the second half and Chile progressively regained total control of the game, scoring a handful of goals in the last quarter to round-up the score at 10-0, with Felipe Monegu scoring 4.

The USA vs. Brazil game was played at noon under hot sun that affected the tempo of the game. The Brazilians displayed a good defensive organization and consistently managed to intercept the Americans passes. It is only in the 17th minute that Ian Scally scored the first goal after a goal mouth scramble. The Americans went on to score two quick goals to push the score to 3-0 but the Brazilians didn't let down and, displaying good individual skills, mounted some quick counter-attacks to carry the danger in the American camp. They were rewarded with a penalty-stroke that allowed them to briefly reduce the score at 3-1.

The second half was mostly controlled by the Americans but they wasted opportunities on the way to scoring 6 more goals, with Shawn Nakamura netting 4 (2 penalty corners and 2 penalty strokes). Brazil had a good push in the last minutes and benefited from 2 penalty corners on the buzzer, but they couldn't convert them. Final score: 10-1.

After a colorful Opening Ceremony, where the local Native Indians welcomed the participants in their traditional custom, Canada took to the field against Trinidad & Tobago. The Canadian players wore black armbands embroidered with "RR", in memory of double Olympian (1984 and 1988) Ross Rutledge, who passed away a few weeks ago.

The game was balanced and eventful, with Trinidad & Tobago well structured around Kwandwane Browne and Canada defending patiently and mostly dangerous on counter-attacks. They managed to build some dangerous opportunities but consistently missed the finishing touched and it is only in the 22nd minute that Rob Short scored on a generous penalty stroke. The second Canadian goal was more spectacular, with Rob Short penetrating in the circle and flipping the ball over the falling goal keeper for Connor Grimes who just needed to bat the ball in.

As in all other games today, the tempo slowed down in the second half. Canada scored a lucky goal but could not be dangerous on penalty corners while Trinidad obliged Canadian goal keeper Mike Mahood to make some tough saves, with Brian Garcia displaying his talent on a couple of swift rushes through the whole Canadian defense. Trinidad pushed Canada on its heels in last 5 minutes, but the score stayed at 3-0.

The Cuban team has not reached London yet, delayed with visa problems, so their game against Uruguay has been postponed until Wednesday May 19 at 20:00.

The last game of the day opposed Mexico to the Netherlands Antilles in a cooler temperature. Mexico had the early pressure and nearly scored a goal on a penalty corner, but the Dutch Antilles players settled down and progressively took control of the game. True to their Dutch upbringing, most of them have an excellent individual technique and the team plays as a well structured unit smartly occupying the field.

Both teams had good chances but halftime was reached without score. Netherlands Antilles scored early in the second half on a well executed drag flick. This seemed to boost their confidence and their pressure on the Mexican defense increased a notch. They quickly earned another penalty corner that was also converted with a drag flick in the best Dutch tradition!

The Mexican players tried desperately to generate some danger to get on the scoreboard, but the Dutch Antilles defense, although starting to fade physically, managed to hold tight for a well earned 2-0 victory.

Argentina, Canada, Chile and USA earn second win

By Yan Huckendubler, PAHF Media Officer

LONDON, Ontario, Canada - The second day of the Men's Pan American Cup was played today in another bright spring day at University of Western Ontario in London, Canada.

Venezuela - Chile : 1-6

In the first game, Chile had an immediate grasp on the play against Venezuela. But, after an initial goal by Jorge O'Ryan on a swift attack on the left wing, they faced a well regrouped Venezuelan defense and it was only in the twenty fifth minute that they could score again, with two goals in quick succession. This forced Venezuela out of its defensive shell and they were rewarded by a goal on a broken penalty corner option.

The same pattern prevailed in the second half with Chile having most of the play but failing to finalize their opportunities under constant pressure from the Venezuelan defense. Venezuela staged some quick and dangerous counter-attacks but the score didn't evolve for most of the half. Both teams were reduced to ten players after an exchange of yellow cards for rough play, giving more space to the Chilean who scored on a well executed direct hit on penalty corner, pushing the score up to 5-1, then to 6-1 in the last minute of play.

Puerto Rico - USA : 1-11

For the second game of the day at 10:00am, the temperature was already climbing in the high twenties. USA went on quickly on the score sheet with two goals by Ramandeep Sandhu. Puerto Rican players displayed speed and individual skills, but lacked a rigorous organization on the field, leaving space to the Americans who consistently penetrated the circle and capitalized on penalty corners. Score at half-time was 5-0.

USA steadily kept pushing and scored on set-plays (2 penalty-corners and 1 penalty strokes for Shawn Nakamura) while Puerto Rico could only reply with episodic counter-attacks and a well executed penalty corner. US goal keeper Jeb Saez saved a penalty stroke late in the game to keep the score at 11-1.

Brazil - Argentina : 0-20

Brazil and Argentina took the field at noon on a pitch drying quickly under the strong sun. The pace of the game was fairly slow and, although completely dominating the game, Argentina only scored on the 17th minute by Santiago Capurro. They picked-up the pace slightly to score 4 more goals before half-time.

The second half was a one sided affair with Argentina playing a polished game and accelerating at will to score with nice combinations that pleased the spectators. The goals started to pile up in the second part of the period, and there was nothing Brazil seemed to be able to do to prevent the score climbing up to 20-0, with Jorge Lombi adding five to his tournament tally, while Mario Almada and Santiago Capurro scored four each.

Uruguay - Mexico : 0-5

The game between Uruguay and Mexico was an entertaining affair between two young teams with promising skills. Mexico opened the scoring after a fine effort by Pool Moreno who penetrated the circle amongst a packed defense and went around the goalkeeper to score on the empty net. He doubled his tally a few minutes later by pouncing on a short corner rebound to bat it over the fallen goalkeeper.

Despite Mexico scoring a third goal, the remaining of the half was balanced. The umpires had to use their cards to cool down the players (four green and one yellow cards). Uruguay played short at the end of the period but Mexico could not capitalize and half-time was reached on the score of 3-0.

The second half was an entertaining display of energetic hockey, going back and forth, with both teams creating scoring opportunities, but only Mexico capitalizing on them. Uruguayan goalkeeper Mariano Mallo delighted the crowd by twice foot stopping a long ball in the D then proceeding to fake a rushing attacker soccer style before clearing the ball! Final score: 5-0 for Mexico.

Netherlands Antilles - Canada : 1-8

The last game of the day opposed home team Canada to the Netherlands Antilles, who were looked at with more respect after their commending performance last night against Mexico. They immediately showed that they would be no pushover with a dangerous rush down the left side by Marc Vullinghs and a superb stick save on the line by Jaap Overgaauw on a hard close range shot by Rob Short.

Canada scored on their third penalty corner after a series of quick passes that left Connor Grimes alone in front of the goalkeeper. They kept pushing and scored two more goals in quick succession by Dave Jameson and Ravi kahlon. The Netherlands Antilles had more and more trouble sustaining the Canadian pressure and conceded a penalty-stroke converted by Rob Short, but Canada could not score any more until halftime (4-0).

The second half was played without much passion or rhythm. Canada managed to score two more goals by Rob Short before the game had to be interrupted by a sudden lightning storm that completely flooded the pitch. The game had little to offer when it resumed, Canada adding two more goals while the Netherlands Antilles were rewarded by a penalty-corner "on the buzzer" scored by Jaap Overgaauw with an excellent drag flick that shaved the Canadian left post. Final score: 8-1 for Canada, with Rob Short picking up 4 goals, including 3 penalty strokes.

PAHF News Release-Cuba withdraws from tournament

May 14, 2004

The Pan American Hockey Federation regrets the forfeit of Cuba at the 2nd Men's Pan American Cup held at the University of Western Ontario in London, Canada.

The Cuban Team didn't arrive at Toronto Airport as scheduled and have since informed the Pan American Hockey Federation that they were not granted visas to travel to Canada.

"It is unfortunate that we didn't hear from the Cuban problems earlier as we could have tried to assist them. Their late withdrawal prevents the entry of a replacement team and unbalances the format of the competition", said Tony von Ondarza, President of the Pan American Hockey Federation, "My heart nevertheless goes to the players, who really wanted to play and are now deprived of an international competition".

After postponing the first game of the Cuban Team against Uruguay in the hope that the team would finally arrive, the Organizing Committee has now decided to withdraw Cuba from the competition and to adjust the schedule for Pool B, now reduced to 5 teams.

The format of the classification for places nine to eleven has also been adjusted in accordance with the FIH Tournament Regulations.

The Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) is recognized by the FIH as the governing continental federation for all field hockey in the Pan American region. There are 21 member Nations of the PAHF. For more information please contact info@panamhockey.org

Third day highlights-Chile challenges rival Argentina

The third day of games at the 2nd Men's Pan American Cup saw Netherlands Antilles, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina and USA picking up 3 points. Canada was idle today due to Cuba's forfeit, but return to action against Mexico.

The first match of the day saw the Netherlands Antilles open the scoring against Uruguay with a penalty stroke in the 15 th minute converted by Jaap Overgaauw. They would end the first half with a 2-0 lead. Uruguay played the second half with a lot of heart trying to earn their first points of the tournament. The game ended 4-0 in favour of the Netherlands Antilles as they scored goals in the 58 th and 59 th minute to close the scoring.

Trinidad & Tobago took on Mexico in an exciting second match. A quick start by Trinidad led them to a 3-0 lead 21 minutes into the first half. Despite the final score of 5-2 Mexico made the game interesting by scoring 2 goals in the second half. Their final goal was a finely taken penalty corner in the 49 th minute by Aaron Cuevas. Trinidad captain Kwandwane Brown scored 4 goals for Trinidad.

Fans were entertained by an excellent match in the afternoon when rivals Argentina and Chile took the pitch. A tight marking first half ended with the teams knotted at 0-0. Superb goaltending by Chilean keeper Mathias Anwandter kept the Argentines off the scoreboard until the 38 th minute when Juan Garreta was able to finish a fine passing combination.

Venezuela and the USA were next to play with the USA earning another 3 points to remain undefeated in the tournament. The US were impressive once again by maintaining offensive pressure throughout the match. Patrick Harris led the US with 3 goals, all penalty corner conversions. Harris now has 6 goals for the tournament.

The final match of the day saw Brazil and Puerto Rico each looking for their first win of the tournament. Both teams battled in each others end but the score ended up in a 0-0 draw, each team earning their first point of the tournament.

Canada tops Mexico at the Pan Am Cup

May 17th, 2004

Trinidad & Tobago squared off against Uruguay in the first match of the day. Trinidad opened the scoring when Kwandwane Browne converted a penalty corner, his first of 5 goals in the match.Trinidad would finish the half with a 5-0 lead. Uruguay managed to salvage a goal in the 60th minute when Sebastian Castillo put his penalty stroke beyond the reach of Trinidadian keeper Glen Francis. The match ended 9-1 in favour of Trinidad. Dwain Quan Chan had a great match netting a total of three goals for the victors.

Canada was next in action and they took on a feisty Mexican team hungry for a victory. The teams were all square through 23 minutes of play until Rob Short finished behind keeper Alejandro Vargas. Jeewanjot Bath dazzled the crowd in the 29th minute when he danced his way into the circle and scored a spectacular goal to put the Canadians up 2-0. The game would end 6-0 in favour of Canada, assuring them of top spot in Pool B. Mike Mahood and Jon MacKinnon shared the shut out.

The last two unbeaten teams in Pool A met as Argentina and USA were looking for the best possible positioning for the playoffs. Argentina's attack was too strong for the US as the game finished 6-1 Argentina. Argentina sits on top of Pool A now with a comfortable lead.

Brazil and Chile met up in the 4th match of the day. Brazil stunned Chile by opening the scoring 5 minutes into the match. The rest of the match however belonged to Chile who began to settle down, keeping possession through most of the match. Rodrigo Wagner scored 3 times for Chile.

Puerto Rico and Venezuela delighted the crowd in the final match of the day. The two teams battled from the opening minute of play. The match ended in thrilling style with Puerto Rico coming back from one goal down with 6 minutes to play. Venezuela had the opportunity to tie the game in the dying seconds with a penalty corner as regulation time ran out, but were unable to convert. Puerto Rico was led By Jose Martinez Morales who scored 3 goals.

Tuesdays's matches will feature two battles for second place in each pool as Trinidad & Tobago take on the Netherlands Antilles and Chile meet the USA.

Lombi leads scoring race

May 19th, 2004.

Top scorers

Argentina qualifies for the 2006 World Cup, Canada and Chile on the podium

By Yan Huckendubler, PAHF Media Officer

LONDON, Ontario, Canada - The last day of the Men's Pan American Cup was played at University of Western Ontario in London, Canada, under intermittent heavy rain in a morning but a pleasant sun miraculously back for the Final.

Argentina booked their berth for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, with Canada coming once again one goal short. Chile earned the third step of the podium after a fiercely contested game against Trinidad & Tobago.

3rd-4th place - Chile vs. Trinidad & Tobago : 2-1

Final - Canada vs. Argentina : 1-2

3rd-4th place - Chile vs. Trinidad & Tobago : 2-1

Trinidad & Tobago was early on the attack and earned two penalty corners well defended by the Chilean defense. In the next minutes, Felipe Montegu (Chile) and Nicols Wren (T&T) had good shots on goal. The game was wide open and flowed quickly from one end to the other, despite a slow pitch saturated with water from the torrential morning rain.

In the fourteenth minute, Trinidad & Tobago earned another penalty corner cleanly converted by Kwan Browne giving the lead to T&T. Chile reacted promptly led by Felipe Montegu, with Trinidad & Tobago releasing the pressure with long aerial balls and quick counter-attacks.

Chile accelerated the play in the last ten minutes of the period and pushed T&T back on their heels, earning two penalty corners well defended by Francis in the Trinidean goal. They however scored on their third penalty corner, with a straight shot by Felipe Montegu. Chile had a chance to take the lead on the next play, with a decisive circle penetration from Felipe Montegu but Esteban Krains, alone in front of the goalkeeper, could not adjust his shot.

Score at half-time: 1-1. With weather clearing slightly, both teams attacked the second period at full speed, with a penalty corner misplayed by Kwan Browne at one end and another opportunity engineered by Felipe Montegu at the other end, Glen Francis defending well on a confuse goal mouth scramble.

In the forty forth minute, Felipe Montegu penetrated the circle, played through a series of tackles that could have earned him a penalty corner, and unleashed a backhand rocket in the roof of the net that left no chance to the goalkeeper. Trinidad & Tobago had an immediate reaction but couldn't equalize. With twenty minutes to go, Trinidad & Tobago desperate to equalize and Chilean starting to play more defensively, the game got more physical and lost its fluency.

Trinidad & Tobago had most of the play in the final stages of the game, but could not force a clear opportunities, even when Chile was reduced to ten players in the last two minutes and hanging desperately to their lead. Chile won the Bronze Medal after a fiercely contested game that could have gone either way.

Final - Canada vs. Argentina : 1-2

The game started in front of a good audience who took advantage of a reprieve in the rain to come and support the home Canadian Team. Both teams played in their traditional colors, light blue and white for Argentina and all red for Canada.

After a short round of observation in midfield, Canada started to push up field led by Rob Short. They penetrated the Argentinean D but couldn't create a dangerous chance. On a run by Ken Pereira on the right, Rob Short received the ball in good position but could not adjust his push. On a quick counter-attack by Almada, Jorge Lombi created havock in the Canadian D and earned a penalty-corner, well saved by Mike Mahood. Argentina maintained the pressure and Lombi opened the score on the next penalty-corner with his signature drag flick high on Mahood's glove side.

Argentina pressured high and Canada had trouble pushing the ball out of defense. Mike Mahood had to make a couple classy saves to protect his goal, and received a precious help from his left post on another drag flick from Lombi. Ken Pereira created some danger with incisive runs on the right wing and engineered a great opportunity to Ranjeev Deol, but his deflection ended just wide.

Argentina started to take control of the game, with a patient game in the back and quick and incisive counter-attacks, complemented of course by their lethal penalty corners. Mike Mahood displayed the extent of his talent and athleticism on a few more saves from various angles, including a superb reflex saves on a shot from close range by Vila.

At the end of the period, Ravi Kahlon intercepted the ball on his 25 and carried it all the way to the opposite D, but couldn't conclude cleanly. On a swift count-attack, Rodrigo Vila overran the Canadian defense on the right and offered a superb chance to Tomas MacCormik who didn't leave any chance to Mike Mahood.

Argentina had the game well in hand at half-time (2-0) while Canada could only manufacture marginal chances.

Canada started the second period knowing that they needed to score quickly to get back in the game, playing with more decisiveness and using Ravi Kahlon higher on the field. On a rush by Rob Short, Mike Lee received the ball one on one with the goalkeeper and earned a penalty corner but, on the third replay, Rob Short's deflection went just over the crossbar.

With the Canadian fans cheering loudly the home team, Canada was passing the ball well on the full length of the field, but Argentina weathered the Canadian pressurre with experience. The second period was played on a high tempo, both teams showing why they are at the top of the rankings in the Americas.

Canada kept pushing and had a few dangerous opportunities with the game coming down to the last 10 minutes, but the Argentinean defense held tight around a solid German Orozco who had an excellent game. Canada was getting desperate and finally scored a good goal by Connor Grimes after a quick give and go with Paul Wettlaufer, setting the stage for an emotional end of game, with Argentina down one player and Mike Mahood replaced by an additional Canadian field player.

The time was stopped multiple times in the last minute of play, with the crowd on its feet and pushing the Canadian team, but Canada couldn't equalize and the Argentineans were relieved to hear the final buzzer.

Kwandwane Browne, from Trinidad & Tobago, was a popular choice as Player of the Tournament, while Mathias Andwandter, from Chile, was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament. The Top Goal scorer was once again Jorge Lombi from Argentina, with 26 goals.

Final Standings:

1. Argentina
2. Canada
3. Chile
4. Trinidad & Tobago
5. Netherlands Antilles
6. Mexico
7. USA
8. Puerto Rico
9. Uruguay
10. Brazil
11. Venezuela

Player of the Tournament: Kwandwane Browne (Trinidad & Tobago)
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Mathias Andwandter (Chile)
Top Goal Scorer: Jorge Lombi (Argentina), 26 goals

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