USMNT Navigate Past Jamaica for Opening Win of 2023 Hockey5s PAC

KINGSTON, Jamaica – The U.S. Men’s National Team took on Jamaica in their first pool game of the 2023 Hockey5s Pan America Cups (PAC) at Mona Hockey Field in Kingston, Jamaica. After USA held a two goal advantage at the half, the hosts came back and tied it but the red, white and blue responded for the 4-2 victory.

USA got on the board in the first minute of play, when Michael Barminski (Ventura, Calif.) ripped it past Jamaica goalkeeper Ajani Burton. On the resuming play, USA goalkeeper Tristan Clemons (Hattiesburg, Miss.) got his first touch of the game. Jamaica held possession for a period that saw two shots by Shemar Gordon turned away by Clemons. After a backhand by Ajai Dhadwal (Agoura Hills, Calif.) was denied in the 6th minute, Amarpreet Sidhu (San Jose, Calif.) gave the Wolves a 2-0 lead. Jamaica threatened in the resuming minutes but couldn’t break through.

The hosts’ determination paid off and in the 11th minute Tryone Vernon cut the margin. Two minutes later, Jamaica received a challenge for a deliberate foul inside their attacking half and off the play, they earned a penalty stroke. It was Vernon who stepped up and converted to even the score at 2-2. In the 14th minute, USA regained the lead when Dhadwal buried it into the corner, after Jamaica’s Gian-Paul Haughton was issued a 60-second green card. USA extended their lead in the 18th minute, again when Dhadwal perfectly put it into the corner. With the 4-2 advantage, the Wolves withstood a late, frantic push by Jamaica for the victory.

USA returns to the court tomorrow, June 5, when they take on Puerto Rico at 5:20 p.m. ET.

For more information regarding the Hockey5s Pan American Cups, visit the event page.

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