U-21 USMNT Comes Up Short in Thrilling JPAC Semifinal Shootout Loss to Canada, Heads to Bronze Contest
SANTIAGO, Chile – In a back-and-forth thriller at the 2026 Junior Pan American Cup semifinal, the No. 29 U.S. U-21 Men’s National Team went head-to-head with No. 16 Canada in a game that saw six lead changes and relentless momentum swings. After finishing regulation locked at 3–3, the match was decided in a shootout where the USA fell 4–2. The result sends the red, white and blue to the bronze medal match, with one final opportunity to secure qualification to the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup.
"This was a great game from both teams," commented Paul Singh, U-21 USMNT Head Coach. "We definitely created our chances to finish the game off, but Canada defended well and took their opportunities when needed. It was an unfortunate loss in a shootout but we are now focused on our bronze medal game tomorrow and leaving with some hardware."
Despite being the underdog in rankings, USA came out dominating possession in the first quarter, which ended scoreless. There was a good look for USA from Sekayi Charasika halfway through the second frame, but it would be Canada who struck first, finishing on a penalty corner in the 28th minute. The Junior Wolves trailed 1-0 at halftime.
It was an explosive start to the third quarter for USA, who came out and tallied back-to-back goals. The first was a backhand from Charasika to tie the match at 1-1.
The next came soon after, when Tyler Kim scored off his rebounded shot to put USA up 2-1.
With ten seconds remaining in the third, Canada had another set piece conversion, bringing the match to a draw yet again, and setting the stage for an exciting final frame.
Canada found the go ahead goal 9 minutes into the last quarter, after weaving into the circle and tapping it in out of the air off the back post.
Just two minutes after that, USA earned a set piece and on the chance, Charasika went top shelf to bring the game back to even at 3-3.
As time wound down and the pressure was on, neither side could change the scoreline in regulation.
The shootout lasted four rounds with Canada tallying in each one and Charasika and Jasper Pouw scoring for USA, as Canada went on to win the shootout 4-2.
Key Moments:
- 25’ Reverse shot from Sekayi Charasika
- 28’ Canada earns first penalty corner, scores to take the lead
- 31’ Sekayi Charasika scores off a reverse shot, ties the match 1-1
- 32’ Tyler Kim scores off his rebound to put USA up 2-1
- 35' USA penalty corner
- 41' USA set piece chance
- 45' Canada scores on a penalty corner to tie the match at 2-2
- 54' Canada finds the go-ahead to make it 3-2
- 56' Sekayi Charasika evened the game off a penalty corner, 3-3
- 60'+ Goalkeeper Brett Williamson checked in to defend the shootout
Shootout:
Round 1: Oliver Shinder scored but after review his tally was called back for running out of time, Canada scored
Round 2: Both Charasika and Canada scored
Round 3: Grewal's attempt was saved while Canada scored
Round 4: Both Jasper Pouw and Canada scored, as Canada secured the win
Noteworthy:
- Tyler Kim scored his first junior international goal
Next Up: The Junior Wolves will play for bronze on Saturday, April 18 at 12:30 p.m. ET against No. 20 Chile. The top three finishing men's teams qualify for the 2027 FIH Hockey Junior World Cup. Fans can stream it live for free on PanAm Sports Channel.
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