Pat Harris, Jon Ginolfi and Ajai Dhadwal scored goals during shoot-out competition
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – March 3, 2013 – The hot Brazilian sun was shining for day four of competition at the FIH World League Round 2 tournament in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago played to a 1-1 draw through regulation, forcing a shoot-out competition to determine the winner. Trinidad and Tobago prevailed, 5-4, in sudden victory capturing their first win of the tournament.
Head coach Chris Clements said speed, strength and energy was something they identified as a strength for Trinidad and Tobago but fatigue and decision making under pressure and exhaustion was a determining factor today.
“(Speed, strength and energy) was exactly what we identified as one of their strengths and we were able to contain them in the first half but we eased off that pressure in the second half and failed to take chances,” said Clements. “We had three opportunities where we should have put the ball in the back of the net and the game would have been much different.” Continue reading
Darren Smith’s side came into the game knowing a win would guarantee a spot in World League 3 in the summer with the exact same scenario for their Italian opposition. It was an extremely close fought encounter today with neither side dominating a game that ebbed & flowed from the start.