Tight Win Propels USMNT into PAC Semifinals

USA broke the deadlock in the 28th minute when Aki Kaeppeler took a free hit quickly and got it to Marius Leser deep off the left baseline. He snuck a low angled backhand in for the game-winner.

Brazil would not have a penalty corner chance until the start of the third quarter, which was defended well by the USA. The Wolves tried with several more chances in the circle to increase their lead, but could not find success, including a penalty corner in the 58th minute earned by Jack Heldens.

The lone goal from Marius Leser would be all USA needed, winning the match 1-0, and securing their spot in the semifinals. USA led statistically producing 12 shots off 29 circle entries and earning four penalty corners.

Key Moments:

• 8’ USA with a chance when Jatin Sharma flicked it over the goal
• 10’ Entry by Michael Mendoza on the left baseline that was absorbed by Brazil’s goalkeeper
• 14’ Brazil with a reverse deflection that went over the goal
• 19’ USA won their first penalty corner through Wyatt Katz. The drag by Aki Kaeppeler was blocked and USA referred the play but were unsuccessful on the challenge
• 22’ Backhand shot for Brazil saved by a diving Jonathan Klages
• 24’ Finlay Quaile passed it into Marius Leser who got ripped a backhand shot
• 28’ After a quick start, Aki Kaeppeler got it to Marius Leser deep off the left baseline and he sent a backhand in with no angle
• 29’ Jack Heldens with a backhand that is saved
• 30’ Brazil earned their first penalty corner that was well-defended by USA
• 32’ USA saw their second set piece stopped
• 39’ Jack Heldens weaved into the attacking 25 and passed it to Sekayi Charasika in the circle who saw his shot deflected
• 42’ USA’s third penalty corner was stopped
• 45’ Overhead for Brazil finds an open player but collectively Aki Kaeppeler applies pressure as Jonathan Klages absorbed the shot
• 48’ Mehtab Grewal has his backhand shot blocked
• 51’ Aki Kaeppeler with an overhead to Kei Kaeppeler in the circle. He rips a lifted ball that goes through traffic
• 56’ Pat Harris sends a threaded ball along the base line that got through to Kei Kaeppeler on the far post, but his shot went wide
• 58’ USA saw their final set piece deflected over the goal

Noteworthy:

• USA secured their spot at a 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifier

• Kei Kaeppeler played in his 50th international cap

• It was Alberto Montilla's first time as captain for the Wolves

• USA out shot Brazil, 12 to 5
• USA had 4 penalty corners, to Brazil’s 1
• Today marked the sixth meeting between USA and Brazil
• The last time USA recorded a shutout was in 2013 (5-0)
• USA holds the all-time meeting record advantage of 4-1-1

Thoughts from Head Coach Allan Law: "Our objective today was to come away with three points and secure a top two finish in pool play. While we didn’t capitalize on our opportunities in front of goal, we are very pleased with many aspects of our performance. A special mention goes to Kei Kaeppeler, who earned his 50th cap today, a significant milestone. He led the front line with outstanding work ethic and energy."
"We will now rest, recover, and shift our focus to Friday’s semifinal matchup against Chile."

Next Up: The USMNT secured their spot in the semifinals on Friday, August 1 after finishing second in their pool. They will face No. 21 Chile at a time to be announced. All games can be streamed on Watch.Hockey (PPV).

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