MOORPARK, CA – For the fourth game in a row the men from the United States found themselves down by a goal early in the match.  Unfortunately, they would not be able to complete a fourth comeback in a row as Trinidad held on to beat the United States 4-2 Sunday morning. 

Though the US had more chances in the early going it would be Mickel Pierre from Trinidad that would use a quick transition and sound dribbling through the offensive zone to unload a shot that, though tipped by half-back Ajai Dhadwal (Agoura, CA) would still give Trinidad the early lead.  The US would answer back in the 13^th minute when Jon Ginolfi (Moorpark, CA) dribbled into the circle and scored a beautiful goal with a hard shot from a difficult side angle. 

The remainder of the first half would be played at a frantic pace that had both teams scrambling for control.  Once again Trinidad would step up and seize control as Akim Toussaint ripped a hard, high shot in the 25^th minute that beat goalkeeper Tom Sheridan (New York, NY) to gain the 2-1 advantage.  The lead would not last for long, however, as the US responded when a pass from Ian Scally (Thousand Oaks, CA) found Will Holt who beat the keeper to equalize the game at two going into the half.

As the second half played out it became apparent the entire game would be played quickly and somewhat erratically today.  Unluckily for the United States it was Trinidad that would capitalize on that pace and use 3 second-half penalty corners to fuel their momentum.  Goals in the 46^th and 58^th minutes sealed the victory as the US failed to exploit any opportunities and took the loss today by a 4-2 margin.

“Both teams played at a high pace today,” goalkeeper Tom Sheridan said.  “Obviously we would have wanted to limit their chances a bit more but overall I think we played a solid game and can use this series to build for France [Champions Challenge II].”

The US men take a quick break this week before they leave for the Champions Challenge II event in Lille, France.  Check back then for updates and news from the tournament.  Until then, GO STATES!

USA Roster:

Jon Ginolfi (Moorpark, CA); Steve Mann (NY, NY); Moritz Runzi (Boston, MA); Tyler Sundeen (Simi Valley, CA); Pat Harris (Moorpark, CA); Sean Harris (Moorpark, CA); Pat Cota (Camarillo, CA); Will Holt (Camarillo, CA); Ajai Dhadwal (Agoura, CA); Rob Schilling (Moorpark, CA); Liam Walsh (Rockport, WA); Elliott Seleska (Las Vegas, NV); Michiel Dijxhoorn (Tampa, FL); Jarred Martin (Albany, NY); Ian Scally (Thousand Oaks, CA); Shawn Nakamura (Thousand Oaks, CA); Christian Linney (La Jolla, CA); Andrew Zayac (Columbia, MD); Ranveer Kundi (Chino, CA); Tom Sheridan (New York, NY)