USMNT Defeat Panama to Finish Top of 2023 Hockey5s PAC Pool

KINGSTON, Jamaica – The U.S. Men’s National Team met Panama in their final pool match of the 2023 Hockey5s Pan American Cups (PAC) in Kingston, Jamaica. USA broke open the scoring early and never looked back as they secured the 5-0 win, as well as the top spot in Pool A.

Just two minutes into the match, USA broke open the scoring when Tyler Sundeen (Simi Valley, Calif.) converted on a backhand shot. A minute later, Sundeen collected it off the end board and passed it back to Ajai Dhadwal (Agoura Hills, Calif.) who lifted it into the net. Although holding a quick 2-0 lead, Panama had some momentum but were unable to break through the Wolves’ defense. In the 7th minute, Michael Barminski (Ventura, Calif.) got it on the halfway line, crossed over and ripped it into the corner. USA continued to test Panama goalkeeper Angel Molina, even having a challenge go unrewarded, but couldn’t extend the score before the break.

To start the second half, USA made a goalkeeper substitution and put Tom Curtis (London, England) into the match. Looking to add to the score line, the Wolves kept threatening but didn’t tally another until the 17th minute. On the play, Dean Schiller (Alexandria, Va.) dropped it to Barminski who drove forward and beat three Panama defenders to score. Two minutes later, Dhadwal did a behind the back pass to Henzor Motta (San Juan, Puerto Rico) who sent a reverse into the far corner.

USA has the next two days off before the men’s crossover matches on Friday, June 9. The Wolves will take on the fourth place finisher in Pool B, Costa Rica, at 2:00 p.m. ET.

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

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