USMNT & Canada Draw in First Match of Series
SURREY, Canada - The No. 26 U.S. Men's National Team rallied from behind to earn a 3-3 draw against No. 19 Canada in their opening match of the series. After trailing twice, including entering the fourth quarter, the Wolves responded with timely finishes to erase the deficit and level the contest.
Goalkeeper Jonathan Klages was called into action early, making an important save after a dangerous Canada build-up. In the 10th minute, the Wolves capitalized to take a 1-0 lead, as Sekayi Charasika converted on a penalty corner. Canada answered by earning a penalty corner of their own, but USA’s defense stood firm to preserve the advantage.
USA appeared to have extended their lead in the 18th minute, but the goal was overturned after a foot was called in the buildup. Moments later, Canada earned back-to-back penalty corners, converting on the second attempt before adding another set piece goal just minutes later to move in front. The Wolves responded just before halftime, earning a penalty corner of their own, where Marius Leser batted home the rebound to send the teams into the break tied 2-2.
Canada dictated play for much of the third quarter, before USA took control in the remaining minutes. Klages made several key saves to deny dangerous Canada chances, while Alberto Montilla added a crucial defensive penalty corner save. Despite the defensive effort, Canada broke through in the 41st minute, capitalizing on a player advantage following a green card by converting a set piece to regain the lead, 3-2.
USA came out firing in the final quarter, needing just 19 seconds to level the match. Following a well-worked buildup, Charasika finished an offensive chance to even the score. A flurry of action ensued, including a card issued to each side, and USA fended off three late penalty corners to end the contest 3-3.
Key Moments:
4’ Jonathan Klages forced to make a save
10’ Sekayi Charasika scored off a penalty corner, 1-0
12’ Canada set piece
19’ Canada scored off their second penalty corner in a row, 1-1
21’ Canada tallied on a set piece, 2-1
27’ Michael Mendoza issued a green card
29’ Marius Leser equalized off a penalty corner, 2-2
30’ Jonathan Klages made a save
31’ Canada backhand went wide
38’ Jonathan Klages with back-to-back stops
38’ Canada penalty corner
38’ Alberto Montilla with a defensive save
40’ Christian DeAngelis issued a green card
41’ Canada set piece goal, 3-2
44’ Shot by Noah Mendoza
45’ Shot by Sekayi Charasika
45’ USA penalty corner
46’ Sekayi Charasika leveled the game, 3-3
49’ Canada issued a green card
56’ USA penalty corner
58’ Marius Leser issued a 5-minute yellow card
59’ Three Canada set pieces
Noteworthy:
- USA’s Javier Fernandez Lopez and Noah Mendoza both played in their first international caps
- Henzor Motta made his first start for USA
- USA Umpire Brian Tyson officiated his first senior outdoor men’s game
Quote from Head Coach Allan Law: "We were pleased with many elements of our performance today. It is very encouraging to see the team creating quality scoring opportunities and converting them. While there were plenty of positives, we also recognize there are several areas where we performed below our standards. We see that as an encouraging sign, as we finished the game level while knowing there is still significant room for improvement."
"Another exciting moment for the program was seeing two athletes earn their first senior international caps. Congratulations to Javier Fernandez Lopez and Noah Mendoza on this special achievement. Representing the USA is a tremendous privilege and an honor, and we look forward to seeing both continue to grow within the program."
"We have a quick turnaround with another match tomorrow, so our focus is on recovering well and cleaning up a few key areas of our game. We are looking forward to the challenge and hopefully finishing with a win."
Next Up: The second game of this three-game series will take place tomorrow, June 30, at 7:00 p.m. PT. All games can be streamed on Sikh Games Canada’s YouTube.
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