Wednesday, October 25, 2023.- On their opening day, field hockey made way for the United States, who had reason to celebrate as they convincingly defeated Trinidad and Tobago with a score of 6-1 at the Centro Deportivo de Hockey Césped at Parque Deportivo Estadio Nacional.

The US team secured their position in Preliminary Group B with goals from Aki Kaeppeler, Finlay Quaile, Jack Heldens, Kei Kaeppeler, Marius Leser, and Patrick Harris. Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago's lone goal was scored by Teague Marcano.

Midfielder Finlay Quaile, part of the squad from the United States, confirmed the clear victory for his team. "It was a great win for us. They were very skilled and fast on the counterattack, so it was a bit challenging in the first half, but as we started to progress and find our rhythm, we did a good job," he analyzed.

Quaile's expectations are straightforward. "The goal is always to do the best we can. For us, it's one step at a time, one game at a time. First, we have to get through this phase, and after that, we'll think about the next steps. For now, it's one game at a time, and then we'll go from there. We're aiming for gold, without a doubt," he added.

This victory for the United States adds to Canada's win over Brazil earlier in Group B. Meanwhile, Group A will begin in the evening of this Wednesday with Argentina facing Mexico (5:30 p.m.) and Chile playing against Peru (7:30 p.m.).

The field hockey tournament in these Pan American Games, both for male and female, consists of two groups of four teams, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semifinals to compete for medals.

It's worth remembering that male’s and female’s field hockey in Santiago 2023 will provide direct qualification to the Olympic Games for the gold medal winners.

Written by Patricio Echagüe; translated by Josefina Zamorano / Photosport
Photo: Felipe Poga / Santiago 2023 via Photosport