RSA vs Canada

RSA : 3

Canada: 5

We didn’t come here to merely compete, we had team and individual goals that we wanted to achieve.
We have made a lot of sacrifices over the last 2 years so it is an understatement to say that there is a very somber mood in our camp right now.
Our result against Canada has disappointed us and I’m sure our supporters are disappointed to.
It is definitely not due to lack of effort, but rather our lack of execution on the field that has lead to our poor results.

We did what we needed to too get off to a good start and went 1-0 up via an Austin Smith Drag flick, but Canada equalized soon afterwards. We had momentum and kept putting them under pressure which lead to an attacking free hit outside their circle. Lungile Tsolekile was on the receiving end of the hit that was smashed into the circle and he deflected it into the back of the net, giving us a 2-1 lead. Again though, Canada equalized before half time making the score 2-2 at the break.

The 2nd half was always going to be a tense affair as it was a must win game for both teams. There Canada went 3-2 up and then 4-2 up so we had to put in a big effort to get those goals back. Smith scored his 2nd with a powerful strike from a PC rebound to make it 3-4.
As tensions mounted, the umpires started digging into their pockets and 4 yellow cards and a red card were issued in the match.
We threw everything we had at the Canadians to try make up the deficit but a final goal to Canada in the last 2 minutes took the score to a disappointing 3-5.

We now find ourselves playing for 11th and 12th position on Saturday. Believe it or not, it is still an important game for us and for SA Hockey. The teams ranked 7-11th after this tournament get invited to the Champs Trophy tournament next year.