SANTIAGO (CHILE): USA and Canada recorded victories in contrasting styles in Pool B men's matches in the Pan American Cup Hockey here today. USA beat Trinidad and Tobago by 4-3 while Canada handed out an 11-1 drubbing to Mexico.
Down 2-3, Kaeppeler Aki produced two goals in a span of one minute to convert their deficit into profit in their opener against Trinidad and Tobago. Kaeppeler Aki first converted a penalty corner in thr 45th to restore parity 3-3. Then he followed it with a penalty stroke conversion in the 54th minute.
Earlier, Kaeppeler Kei opened the USA account with a field goal in the 12th minute. Trinidad and Tobago retaliated and neutralised the lead as Vieira Jordan scored a field goal in the 15th minute.
Both teams played a cautious game. USA forged ahead in the 42nd minute through a field goal coming from the stick of Heller Vincent. Trinidad and Tobago earned a penalty stroke which was converted by Marcano Tariq to make it 2-2 in the 44th minute.
Continuing their pressure Trinidad and Tobago got the 3-2 lead for the first time in the 45th minute as Joel Daniel scored a field goal.
USA reorganised their game and struck two quick goals in one minute through Kaeppeler Aki to earn a hard-fought win.
JOHNSTON NETS 3 FOR CANADA
Johnston Gordon scored three goals as Canada routed Mexicoby 11-1. He struck in the 17th, 22nd and 48th minutes. In the virtually one-sided affair, van Son Floris struck in the 11th and 44th minutes.
Canada's other goal-getters were Boothyoyd Fin (19th), Pereira Keegan (22nd), Scholfield Oliver (26th), Kirkpatrick James (40th), Sarmento Matthew ( 40th) and Balraj Paneswar (55th).
The lone goal for Mexico was scored by Jorge Anuilar who converted a penalty corner in the 52nd minute. Jorge Anuilar also received a green card in the 37th minute and yellow in the 44th minute. Quarter-wise scores 1-0, 5-0, 9-0, 11-1.