Day 6 Review
The final day brought the hottest temperatures of the tournament prompting the officials to use a water break at the halfway point of each half. Argentina defeated USA 6-0 in the final to claim gold, Chile defeated Canada 3-0 to claim bronze, Uruguay defeated hosts Trinidad & Tobago 9-1 to place 5th and Mexico needed a shootout to defeat Barbados 1-1 (4-3) to claim 7th place. In the Awards Lauren LOGUSH (CAN) won GK of the Tournament and Maria Jose GRANATTO (ARG) won Most Goals and Player of the Tournament.
ARG vs USA (Final)
The gold medal match got off to another fast start, despite both teams already qualifying for the Junior World Cup. Argentina took control of the match pushing the Americans all the way into their defensive 25-yard area with a high press. GK Bing had very little to do in the tournament, but when called upon she kept her team in the game with a number of spectacular saves. She was unable to keep out Sanguinetti in the 9th minute. As the half progressed the Americans were able to work their way forward and they earned a few PCs that were well defended by Las Leoncitas. The officials’ water break came and went with USA gaining in confidence and forcing more of the play in the midfield. The halftime horn came with Argentina leading 1-0. The second half started with the Americans pushing for an equaliser. It was Argentina who made the first meaningful contribution with a goal by Trinchinetti. A PC goal for Argentina before the officials’ water break made it 3-0 with USA still holding on to a slim chance of coming back. Then a brilliant 8-minute period for Argentina killed off any comeback hopes with three well taken goals. The final horn sounded with Argentina winning comfortably in the end, 6-0 to spark jubilant celebrations among the team and travelling supporters. Congratulations to the 2016 Junior Women’s Pan American Championship winners – Argentina!
CAN vs CHI (Bronze medal)
The bronze medal match got off to a fast start in the Caribbean heat. Chile was the first team to settle and they started dominating possession in the Canadian half of the field. The Canadian defence remained strong and did not allow any clear cut opportunities for their opponents except for one PC which was well stopped by Logush in goal. The officials’ water break for heat came with the teams still level. Chile came out and were finally able to break through the well organised Canadians to score three quick goals before the halftime horn sounded. By the half the Chilean team had won over the local supporters who had joined the small group of Chilean in the bleachers in a very vocal cheer. Canada started the second half very aggressively, pressing high and with a lot of speed. They forced a lot of turnovers and kept the game in the Chilean half of the field. Three consecutive Canadian PCs failed to get a goal though as Chile held firm. Under intense heat and Canadian pressure Chile continued to defend in a cool and calm manner. The final horn sounded on an impressive win for Chile, who claim 3rd place.
URU vs TTO (5-6th)
Uruguay started the match the more aggressive and soon took complete control of the play. They took advantage of their domination to score at regular intervals for a 3-0 lead when the game was stopped for an officials’ water break because of the heat. Uruguay continued to press after the mini break, but found a more determined Trinidad & Tobago team in their way. Uruguay still managed a PC goal as the play became more of a midfield battle. The halftime horn sounded with Uruguay firmly in control at 4-0. The second half began with Uruguay pushing the host team back and were rewarded with an early goal. The goals kept coming regularly for a 7-0 lead by the time the officials’ water break arrived. Trinidad & Tobago again came out with more energy and the they were rewarded with a spectacular deflection goal by Govia. Uruguay stayed in control and added two more goals before the final horn sounded on a 9-1 win and a 5th place finish.
MEX vs BAR (7-8th)
Our first match of the day between Mexico and Barbados started off with both teams making a lot of unforced errors. Barbados took the lead with their first attack of the game when Wilson’s shot went in off Inguanzo and the upright. Mexico equalised immediately after, Oviedo getting her team’s first goal of the tournament. A goal fest seemed on the cards, but instead the match continued to be a midfield battle with a lot of turnovers. Mexico started to enjoy more possession and pushed forward to try and take the lead, but the Barbados defence held firm. The teams went in at halftime with the score 1-1. The second half began and Mexico continued to dominate possession without creating clear chances. King earned a 5-minute suspension, but still Mexico did not look likely to create against a stronger, more physical Barbados team. Both teams earned PCs but a shootout still looked the most likely conclusion. Mexico created a 2 vs. 1 situation at the top of the Barbados circle, but the final horn sounded to end the game at 1-1. Mexico’s second shootout game in a row. Mexico held their nerve to win 4-3 in the first sudden-death shootout round.
Conclusion
Argentina and USA went into the final already qualified for the Junior World Cup, but both teams worked really hard to win. Chile upset the pre-tournament rankings by defeating Canada, while all the other positions remained the same.
