We have come to the final day of the Pan Am Challenge! What an incredible tournament it has been! Over the past few days, we have witnessed exceptional talent, fierce competition, and inspiring displays of sportsmanship from all the teams. The athletes have truly brought their best to the field, leaving it all out there for their countries and fans.
Today marks an exciting conclusion to this thrilling competition, as we enter the placement matches. With the teams already knowing who has automatically earned their spot in the Pan Am Games in Paraguay, today’s games are all about securing final standings, earning bragging rights, and finishing the tournament strong.
Each match today will showcase the determination and skill that has been on full display throughout this tournament. These athletes have fought hard to get here, and now, they are ready to show the world what they are capable of in the final matches of the Pan Am Challenge.
Let’s sit back, enjoy the action, and see what today's games have in store. We are sure to witness more unforgettable moments!
Good luck to all the teams, and may the best performances shine through.
Guyana VS Guatemala 3 – 0 (MENS)
In a thrilling 5th place playoff, Guyana triumphed over Guatemala with a commanding 3-0 victory. Both teams fought hard, despite not securing a top spot in the tournament, and delivered an impressive final performance that their nations can be proud of.
Guyana came out strong, eager to end the competition on a high note. Shaquon Favorite was once again the star, adding two more goals to his tournament tally, further cementing his reputation as a key player. His clinical finishing and sharp instincts proved to be too much for Guatemala's defense. Yonnick Norton also played a pivotal role, scoring a goal to seal the victory and ensure a comfortable win for Guyana.
Although Guatemala struggled to find the back of the net, their effort throughout the match was commendable, and they fought valiantly until the final whistle. Both teams may not have reached the podium, but they certainly displayed heart and passion in their pursuit of one last win.
In the end, Guyana’s 3-0 victory earned them 5th place, and both teams can hold their heads high knowing they gave their all in the competition.
Trinidad and Tobago VS Guyana 0 – 1 (WOMENS)
The battle for the bronze medal was a hard-fought contest as Trinidad and Guyana faced off for the last time in the tournament. While neither team automatically qualified for the Pan Am Games, both were determined to end their campaign with a medal in hand. The stakes were high, and both teams displayed strong defensive performances throughout the match.
For much of the game, both sides played solid hockey, with neither able to break the other’s defense. Goalkeepers stood firm, and both teams had several near-misses, but it wasn’t until the 52nd minute that the deadlock was finally broken. Sarah Klautky stepped up for Guyana, scoring a brilliant short corner that sailed past the Trinidad keeper, giving her team the lead.
That solitary goal proved to be the difference, as Guyana held firm against any late pressure from Trinidad to secure a 1-0 victory. The win earned Guyana the well-deserved bronze medal, a testament to their perseverance and skill throughout the tournament.
For Trinidad, it was a tough loss, but they can hold their heads high after a valiant effort. Congratulations to Guyana for clinching third place, and hard luck to Trinidad for their spirited performance.
Venezuela VS Barbados 2 – 2 (4 – 3 SO) (MENS)
In a thrilling bronze medal match, Barbados and Venezuela went head-to-head in front of a passionate home crowd, both teams eager to claim bragging rights and finish their tournament on a high. The match was a true spectacle, showcasing incredible skill, fitness, and determination from both sides.
Venezuela came out strong, taking the lead early in the 4th minute through Cristian Gomez. The early goal gave them the upper hand, and they looked the favorites as Barbados struggled to find their rhythm in the first half. Despite numerous chances, Barbados couldn’t break down Venezuela’s defense, and they went into halftime trailing by a goal.
The second half started with both teams coming out at full intensity. Barbados quickly dampened Venezuela’s hopes when Darius Joseph fired in an equalizer in the 53rd minute. Just one minute later, Raheem Catwell added another, giving Barbados a stunning 2-1 lead and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
But Venezuela, true to their tournament form, wasn’t about to back down. They fought hard and were rewarded in the final minute of the game when Jose Sanchez expertly converted a short corner to level the score at 2-2.
In a nail-biting shootout, it was a tense back-and-forth battle, but in the end, Venezuela proved to be more clinical, winning 4-3. Barbados missed two of their penalties, while Venezuela missed just one, securing them the bronze medal in dramatic fashion.
Hard luck to the home team, Barbados, but they can certainly hold their heads high after a courageous performance. They gave everything for their fans and showcased tremendous skill and resilience throughout the match. Although they didn’t clinch the win, their efforts were nothing short of commendable.
On the other hand, Venezuela’s fighting spirit was undeniable. Their determination and never-say-die attitude were on full display, especially in the way they fought back after falling behind. They are truly a team to watch, and their thrilling playstyle made this match an absolute spectacle for the crowd. Congratulations to Venezuela for their well-deserved bronze, and hats off to both teams for delivering such an unforgettable showdown!
Mexico VS Puerto Rico 3 – 2 (WOMENS)
In an exciting showdown for the top spot in the tournament, Mexico narrowly edged out Puerto Rico 3-2 in a thrilling encounter that promised to be a preview of the high stakes to come in the Pan Am Games in Paraguay. Both teams had already qualified for the Pan Am Games, but this match was about bragging rights and finishing the tournament on a high note. It did not disappoint.
The game began with intensity as Puerto Rico drew first blood in the 5th minute. Kylie Coughlin stepped up for a short corner, expertly converting it to give Puerto Rico the early lead. The crowd was buzzing, but Mexico remained composed and confident, knowing they had the skills to strike back. True to their form, Mexico responded in the 11th minute when Ximena Noria scored a well-taken goal to bring the score level at 1-1.
The match continued at a fast pace, with both teams demonstrating their ability to string passes and create dangerous opportunities. However, it was Mexico that broke the deadlock in the 20th minute. Fernanda Guzman found the back of the net, putting Mexico ahead 2-1 as they headed into halftime with a slim lead.
With the game finely poised, the second half began with Mexico looking to extend their advantage. In the 32nd minute, Ximena Noria scored her second goal of the match, giving Mexico a 3-1 lead and seemingly taking control of the game. But Puerto Rico was not about to give up easily.
In the 36th minute, Jalia Cooper delivered a perfectly executed short corner for Puerto Rico, bringing the score back to 3-2 and reigniting their hopes of a comeback. Despite several more attempts from Puerto Rico, Mexico's defense stood firm, and the scoreline remained unchanged.
In the end, Mexico held on to their 3-2 lead, securing the top spot in the tournament. It was a well-earned victory for the Mexican side, who demonstrated composure, skill, and determination throughout.
Both teams showcased excellent hockey, with each player leaving everything on the field. Mexico’s win was a testament to their tactical discipline, while Puerto Rico’s spirited fight proved that they too are a force to be reckoned with. A thrilling final match for both teams, and a taste of the fierce competition to come in the Pan Am Games.
A great showing by both teams and a fitting end to an outstanding tournament!
Brazil VS Trinidad and Tobago (MENS)
In the highly anticipated closing match of the Pan Am Challenge, both Trinidad and Brazil had already secured their spots for the Pan Am Games in Paraguay, and today's game was all about bragging rights. After Brazil defeated Trinidad in yesterday's encounter, today’s match was a completely different story. Trinidad came out strong and outplayed Brazil, securing a 3-1 victory in a match that showcased their resilience, skill, and energy.
It was Brazil that struck first, taking the lead in the 10th minute. Despite the early setback, Trinidad remained unfazed, continuing to play their game with confidence. They strung together brilliant passes and showcased excellent skill, eventually breaking through the Brazilian defense. Nicoholas Siu Butt was the one to capitalize on some sharp passing in the Brazilian D, finding the back of the net to level the score at 1-1 just before halftime. The match was tied, and with everything to play for, the excitement built for the second half.
Trinidad came out with renewed energy after the break, capitalizing on a defensive error from Brazil. In the 30th minute, Wayne Edwards made no mistake, slotting a reverse stick shot past the Brazilian keeper to give Trinidad a 2-1 lead. From that point, it was clear that Trinidad was in control. The Soca Boys continued to press, displaying dominance and composure. In the 35th minute, Edwards struck again, securing his second goal of the match and sending the crowd into a roar of celebration.
At this point, it was evident that Brazil, visibly exhausted, had lost their rhythm and were simply playing for time. It was something we hadn’t seen from the Brazilian side throughout the tournament, but the physical toll of the competition had clearly taken its toll. Trinidad, on the other hand, played as if they had fresh legs, taking full advantage of the situation.
In the end, Trinidad emerged as 3-1 victors, a well-deserved win that showcased their grit and skill. Hard luck to Brazil, who had a strong tournament but couldn’t quite find their best form today. Both teams can feel incredibly proud of their performances throughout the past 9 days, and their fans were treated to some brilliant hockey.
With both teams qualifying for the Pan Am Games in Paraguay, it’s possible that we’ll see these two sides clash again, and if they do, we can expect more thrilling encounters. Well played, Trinidad, and hard luck, Brazil—both teams have proven themselves on the international stage and have much to be proud of.
As the curtains come down on what has been an incredible Pan Am Challenge tournament, we stand here filled with pride and gratitude. On behalf of the Barbados Hockey Federation, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Pan American Hockey Federation for giving us the honor of hosting yet another remarkable tournament, just two years after hosting the Junior Pan Am Games in 2023. It’s been an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the officials, the participating teams, the volunteers, and, of course, the amazing fans who all came together to make these 9 days of competition so exciting and successful. Your dedication, hard work, and support have made this tournament one to remember.
A big congratulations to all the teams for their outstanding performances. Each individual player here is a shining example of the future of this great sport. We have seen immense talent, determination, and sportsmanship, and we are confident that we will continue to see these athletes rise to even greater heights in the coming years.
As we close this chapter, we look forward to watching these athletes progress and compete at the highest level. The future of hockey in the Americas is bright, and we can't wait to see all of you in action again soon.
Thank you once again to everyone who made this event a success. It has truly been a pleasure to host you all, and we hope to see you back on the field in the near future.
