In a placement match for 13th through 16th positions at the FIH Hockey5s World Cup in Muscat, Oman, the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) secured a convincing victory over Jamaica.
The Wolves displayed their dominance by breaking through Jamaica’s defense in the 7th minute, ultimately winning the game 8-1.
Pat Harris, hailing from Moorpark, California, played a pivotal role in the match, contributing a hat trick to the team’s success. Reflecting on the win, Harris stated, “It feels good to get a win again. There was a little bit of frustration when we didn’t get through to the quarter-finals, but it’s about looking at the fixes. It’s a new format, and a lot of the group hasn’t played that much together, so we’re just trying to focus on the things we can control.”
Consistently testing Jamaica’s goalkeeper
The USA team started the game with an advantage in shots, consistently testing Jamaica’s goalkeeper, Rasheed Johnston. Key moments included Sekayki Charasika narrowly missing a shot that bounced just over the crossbar. Gerald Cutone intercepted the ball and collaborated with Ajai Dhadwal in other promising attempts.
Shots were also taken by Harris and Mohan Gandhi. The breakthrough for the Wolves came in the 7th minute when a pass from Montilla, along the end boards found Henzor Motta , who executed a lifted touch over the goalkeeper. Harris extended the lead three minutes later with a forehand shot into the far corner. Dhadwal contributed to the first-half scoring with a long-distance strike that beat Johnston down the right side, resulting in a 3-0 lead.
The Wolves continued their offensive dominance, adding four more goals in the second half. The scoring spree began in the 17th minute when Cutone showcased his speed down the right side, turned the corner, and provided an assist to Charasika, who converted the chance. A minute later, Harris showcased his skills by sending a backhand shot into the roof of the net.
Avoid a shutout
Shortly after, Motta received an overhead pass in the right corner and swiftly passed it back to Montilla, who capitalized on the opportunity. In the 21st minute, Montilla secured his second goal on the follow-up after a challenge, expanding the lead to 7-0.
Jamaica managed to avoid a shutout when Nickoy Stephenson scored in the 22nd minute, beating USA goalkeeper Amar Singh (Santa Clara, Calif.), who had taken over in the second half. In the final moments of the game, Harris completed his hat trick with a goal, sealing an 8-1 victory for the Wolves.
The USMNT will face Nigeria in the 13th-14th place match at 1:10 a.m. ET.
