MNT Finishes Fourth at 2023 Pan American Games
by Matthew Collins
The journey for the MNT at the 2023 Pan American Games came to an end as they fell to hosts Chile in the Bronze Medal match, 28-27. The fourth place finish marks the best for the MNT at the Pan American Games since 2003, where they finished third.
The USA opened up the match a little stagnant and fell behind by 5 goal at the eight minute mark, 8-3. However, goals by Sean Corning, Sam Hoddersen, Abou Fofana, and Domagoj Srsen tied things up in the 18th minute. The American side led the match twice before the break and went into the locker room trailing by two, 15-13.
In the second half, the largest lead by either squad was three goals, and the US was able to take the lead by one in the 25th minute of the second period, but the thunderous home crowd urged on the Chile squad, referred to as La Roja to describe their red kits, and a missed shot by Abou Fofana in the final seconds failed to send the match to extra time.
Wings Sean Corning and Samuel Hoddersen led the USA in goals in this match with seven and six goals, respectively.
The US finished the tournament with two wins and three losses, with the victories coming over Cuba and Urugay in the group phase of the competition.
Samuel Hoddersen was the scoring leader for the Americans, totaling 31 goals, with a huge performance over Cuba, where he scored thirteen.
Domagoj Srsen and Maksim Tanner McCauley both finished the tournament with 100% shooting accuracy, with Srsen claiming seven goals, and McCauley adding three.