Can-AM a classic

Posted by admin on Sep 22, 2010 in Sports | 0 comments

In recent sports history, any battle between Canada and the United States of America has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs for both sides. During last year’s Christmas World Junior Hockey Tournament, the U.S.A defeated Canada in the gold medal game in overtime to steal victory in one of the best games the tournament has ever showcased. During the 2010 Olympics it was Canada’s turn to steal victory against an undefeated and very talented American hockey team in overtime thanks to Sidney Crosby. On Thursday night, another match was on and it couldn’t have turned
out any closer.

On a very wet, slippery night under the lights, the latest installment of CAN-AM soccer took place on South Field and lived up to its hype. Canada defeated the United States 4-3, but it wasn’t without contestation.
The game started off slowly for both teams. Neither team developed any chances to take the lead, with a lot of mistakes happening in the midfield as a result of the weather. The first goal was scored off a free kick by Titans fullback Steve Giudici, who sniped a sneaky ball off the far post to beat goalkeeper Christian Sawka, making the game 1-0 for team Canada. Giudici noted after the game that, “the goalkeeper set up an interesting wall. I tried to hit a knuckler far post, and it turned out perfect.” From there it was game on. Both teams started to pick up the intensity after that goal, creating reasonable scoring chances but neither team capitalizing on their opportunities. At half time, the score remained 1-0 and it looked like team U.S.A. was going to have trouble scoring.
In the second half the game became much cleaner and the talent rose to the top. Jeff Keller scored a left-footed lob over Sawka’s hand to make the game 2-0, then scored again off a re-direct from a corner kick, making the game 3-0. From there, the Canadian’s slowed down, looking fatigued all over the field. America’s offense began to click when they finally developed a play through the middle of the field, finding Clayton Weme who fired home a rebound in front of Canadian goalkeeper, Jamieson Brooks, halfway into the second half.
After that, a great shot by Canadian Laura Klassen allowed Canada to take a 4-1 lead and the game appeared to be over. However, team U.S.A stormed back quickly, picking up a loose ball in the middle of the 18 yard box from Cameron Reed, drawing the American team one goal closer to Canada with under 10 minutes remaining
in the game.
In the final few minutes, with a spectacular effort from Zack Rogers, the American’s sniped their 3rd goal underneath Brook’s outstretched arm to keep their hopes alive.
Then it happened.
As the timer sounded on the referee’s watch, the final corner kick was granted to the American team. With all 22 players scrambling for possession under the lights, the ball bounced around in the box, finding Zack Rogers foot, and beating Brooks short side for the tying goal. Well, not quite. Lyndon Johnson’s foot stopped the ball directly underneath the crossbar and controversy erupted. The American squad claimed goal, the Canadians shook their heads. On the final call of the game, referee Graeme Horton signaled the “no goal” hand swinging motion that resulted in a 4-3
Canadian win.
Another classic for the Canada/USA sports history books.

Author: Jamieson Brooks