USA Mens Field Hockey Wins Silver in Pan American Cup, 15 March 2009

The USA Field Hockey Men’s National Team fell to 2008 Olympic participant Canada, 2-1 in Overtime, in the 2009 Pan Am Cup Final in Santiago, Chile, in a closely fought match. Canada qualifies for the 2010 World Cup in New Delhi, India, while the USA qualifies for one of three World Cup qualifying tournaments to be held in November or December. 

The USA scored quickly with a early field goal from Pat Harris (Moorpark). Canada controlled the possession in the first half, with frequent scoring opportunities and breakaways that their strikers failed to convert.  US goalkeeper Tom Sheridan and the US defensemen provided many saves and helped maintain a 1-0 lead in the first half.  In the second half, some strong American attacks and quick transitions were countered by an outstanding performance by Canadian goalkeeper David Carter (Goalkeeper of the Tournament). Canada tied the contest with a very late penalty corner goal in the 61st minute, putting the game into Overtime. Canada was then able to push the game in extra time and score the golden goal. 

The second place finish is the best Pan Am Cup result for the Americans. In the two previous tournaments, the highest previous finish by the United States was fifth in the inaugural competition in 2000. In 2004, the USA finished seventh.

Pat Harris (Moorpark) led the Americans with six goals in the tournament.  The Final was streamed live on Santiago Radio, a local radio station broadcasting in English, and was listened to by many Ventura County friends and families, with half of the team being from Ventura County and attending local colleges and universities.

USA Team information and players and coaches blogs at: usfieldhockey.com;

Great Photos, Recaps, and Details at: panamhockey.org