Argentina Tops Indoor USMNT at 2024 IPAC

CALGARY, Canada – In their second game of the day at the 2024 Indoor Pan American Cups, No. 9 U.S. Men’s National Indoor Team met a fast paced No. 11 Argentina. After a relatively even first half, Los Leones broke through in the second by putting up five goals to top USA, 1-8.

Argentina opened with patience passing it around the backcourt while USA sat in a compacted press. Midway through, Los Leones got on the board after the initial shot hit the post and Agustin Ceballos was there to put in the rebound. Three minutes later, Argentina extended their lead after Ayala Gallo received it, spun and put it past USA goalkeeper Barry Merriman (Washington, D.C.). Immediately following Koehl Comiskey (Dallas, Pa.) drove hard down the right side and won USA a penalty corner. The attempt by Ajai Dhadwal (Agoura Hills, Calif.) was stopped by Argentina goalkeeper Bruno Mayo as USA was called for the foul on the rebound. The Wolves kept pushing and with 16 seconds to go, Dhadwal converted on a set piece to bring the score to 1-2.

In the second quarter USA continued to sit in a deep zone, cutting down lanes and making it difficult for Argentina to attack. The red, white and blue produced some possession but failed to enter their circle. After a scramble on defense, where Merriman made several saves, Los Leones earned back-to-back set pieces and looked to add to their lead, but the officials called a goal back. A great opportunity came for Comiskey in the 18th minute when a long pass got through, but he was met by Mayo. Moments later, good passing by Jeroen Dijkema (Houston, Texas) again got to Comiskey whose shot was denied. With a minute to go before the break, Argentina extended their lead to 1-3 when off a penalty corner Alfredo Sosa sailed it over the shoulder of Merriman.

Two minutes into the third frame, Argentina’s Facundo Navarro tallied off another rebound goal that initially hit the post. USA’s defense held strong for a good period before Los Leones added one in the 29th minute from Gaston Rodriguez. Argentina kept pushing and with 20 seconds to go, a lobbed shot got over Merriman and Christian DeAngelis (Doylestown, Pa.) was there to bat it out of the air, but a penalty stroke was issued. Merriman came up with the big save.

Argentina added another three more goals in the final quarter, deflating USA’s chances. The first came just a minute in when Navarro deflected in a long ball. Next, Ceballos knocked in a penalty corner rebound and the final came in the 37 th minute when Ayala Gallo tallied his second of the game.

The USA men will play their final game tomorrow, March 21 against No. 20 Canada at 7:00 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the full event live pay-per-view on Watch.Hockey. 

For more information regarding the 2024 Indoor Pan American Cups, visit the event page.

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