USA edge past Trinidad in Trinidad and Tobago Series by 3-2
Pat Harris scored three goals and had an assist, as the US men’s hockey team powered a 3-2 win over Trinidad in the second Test of the four-match Trinidad and Tobago Series that took place at the Moorpark College, California.
Chris Clements, the assistant coach of the USA field hockey team, after winning the game, while speaking to the media, said that the US team displayed impressive performance and came from behind to take Trinidad down by a single goal.
He stated, “It's great for our team to get a come-from-behind victory today especially when we weren't firing on all cylinders. We'll definitely look to clean up some aspects, especially in our one-on-one defence and our ability to take advantage of scoring
opportunities.”
Though the two squads landed on the field with great determination, but it was Trinidad that dominated the field in the early minutes. Trinidad changed their game-plan and placed a midfielder at the back position. With the changed strategy, the players from
Trinidad started uninterrupted attacks and their efforts bore fruit in the 8th minute of the game. Mickel Pierre managed to take the ball into the defensive circle USA and sent a scoop into the goal. Andrew Zayac though made a dive to save the ball,
but to no avail.
Following the opening goal the speed of the game continued to increase and strikers from the two sides accomplished attacks against each other. In the 24thminute of the game, Pat Harris converted first short-corner of the game and made the score
level at 1-1.
In a counter-offence, the attackers from Trinidad showed brilliant passing and got the ball into the USA’s 25-yard line. Atiba Whittington of Trinidad dribbled a couple of defenders and unleashed a powerful shot to regain a single-goal lead. In the dying
moments of the first half of play, the US team earned another penalty-corner, but to no avail. The first half of play concluded with Trinidad sitting on top by a single goal.
The USA team revved up in the second half action and scored two goals, while holding opponent scoreless. Harris scored off another short-corner in the 39thminute and levelled the score at 2-2. They showed wonderful game in the later time and converted
another penalty-corner in the 69th minute to seal the victory at 3-2.
It is important to mention here that Trinidad and Tobago Series is a four-match Test event that is due to continue on June 19, 2011 in connection with the preparations of upcoming mega events. The USA team is scheduled to contest two major tournaments including
Champions Challenge II and Pan American Games.
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