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Game Report 1

December 14th El Manquehue Club

Canada v Argentina

Starting line up

Amanda Stone GK
Jessie Denys Sweeper
Nikki Baumann LD
Jaime Bawden CD
Mary Glen RD
Robyn Pendleton LM
Katie Rushton CM
Meggan Anderson RM
Thea Culley RW
Karen Mann CF
Katie Baker LW

The first game of the 4 nations tournament started with Argentina playing Canada. It was a beautiful but very hot cloudless day. The game started tentatively with both teams feeling each other out. A general sense of nervousness prevailed. Gradually Argentina’s ball possession skills prevailed with them dictating the pace of play. Helping them to earn their first PC at the fifth minute of the game. Our defence team was lead by Amanda in net, Jammie on the post, Jessica on the right and Mary running out. The Argies performed a straight shot very skillfully blocked by the goalkeepers stick. A second PC was awarded to Argentina in the 6th minute, with them attempting a direct shotwith the pads cleared by Jammie after a scramble. In the 10th minute, after a clear off a high ball from a US penalty corner the US left wing had a straight shot on net giving Argentina their first and only goal of the first half. Argentina had another 3 penalty corner at the 16th, 27th and !
30th minute – all brilliantly defended by our penalty corner defence unit. Canada built on an effective attack finishing with a fantastic opportunity from left winger, Katie Baker. In the second half Argentina became more assertive with unified movement that significantly increased the pace of the game with crisp ball movement and possession play. Argentina had four penalty corners in the second half – at the 42nd, 44th, 54th and 61st minute. The only goal scored was at the 61st minute which was a straight shot with a tip at the left post. Argentina also had two free play goals, one at the 50th minute and the other at the 58th minute. The game finished 4-0 for Argentina.

Thoughts from the team:
“ We contained the Argies really well in the first half but their endurance and speed proved to be more effective to their game over ours.”
“After that game we realized we can compete against the best in the world and it really motivated us to step up our game and increase our intensity in training and future competitions.”

Game Report 2

December 15th El Manquehue Club

Canada v USA

Starting line up
Amanda Stone GK
Jessie Denys Sweeper
Nikki Baumannn LD
Jaime Bawden CD
Ali Lee RD
Victoria Lounder LM
Katie Rushton CM
Meggan Anderson rM
Thea Culley CF
Cailie O’Hara RW
Katie Baker LW

Favourable to our northern temperaments, the overcast skies set the stage for a brilliant performance from our Canadian team.
The US team, determined to overcome the loss the previous day to Chile, came out flying. The Canadians initially appeared unready for this onslaught. At the 19th minute, a questionable call was made and Amanda Stone came out big with a save in the top right corner. Unfortunately, at the 20th minute the pace of the US attack did not slow down and the US earned another penalty corner, which they capitalized on. The US had seven penalty corners in the first half and Canada didn’t have any. As the clock runs down, Canada stepped it up and the midfield became more involved in the attack particularly a play developed by the back field. A pass made by center midfielder, Katie Rushton, and a good lead by right winger, Thea Culley, lead to a strong shot and forced the US goal keeper to make a good save.

In the second half of the game started with the same lineup that finished the first half - Robyn, Tyla, Katie Baker, Amanda, Jessie, Nikki, Ali, Megan, Katie Rushton, Thea and Cailie. In the second half only two corners were earned by the US team and Canada earned their first three penalty corners of the tournament – all very well executed by Jessie Denys. The three penalty corners executed were two drag flicks and a straight shot at the 66th minute, which resulted in an equalizer goal brought the score up to 1-1.

Unfortunately the escalading, unchecked, uncontrolled and aggressive play by the Americans lead to an injury to right defender, Ali Lee. Both Dr. Bruce and Terri-Lynn’s expertise played a vital role in a quick recovery and will enable her to continue playing in the tournament.

Canada continued to pour on the pressure but unfortunately ran out of time with the game ending in a 1-1 draw.

Team thoughts:
“The game was encouraging in the sense that we learned from previous matches and were able to adapt to the demands of the game.”
“The intensity level rose as the game progressed. A feeling of controlled urgency increased the efforts put forward by every member of the team!”
“Today was a big step for us. We showed ourselves what we can do when we maintain possession of the ball. We created some good chances in the circle, and we were able to capitalize on one of them. I look forward to see what we are able to do in our final three matches!”

Reporting from Santiago de Chile Robyn, Ali, Dr. Bruce & Veronica

Canada plays Chile today and the result will decide which position they will play for on Saturday.

Please refer to the FHC website for more information on the tour http://www.fieldhockey.ca/e/index.cfm

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