Bauru, Brazil - September 7 - The USA Cadet Men claimed the silver medal today at the U15 Pan American Championships after a 15-8 loss to Brazil. Team captain Cortez Chavez scored three goals and earned two exclusions while goalkeeper Kaua Hudgens tallied nine saves. Drake Hamilton was awarded tournament MVP honors with 20 goals, 15 assists, 14 earned exclusions, and 12 steals in Bauru. Team USA finishes its run in Brazil at 4-2 after suffering two losses to the host nation.
The hosts scored the game's first goal just over one minute into the contest and doubled their lead with a backhand strike shortly thereafter. Nearly four minutes went by without a goal before it was Brazil who converted on a penalty shot attempt. Late in the quarter, Chavez got Team USA on the board but Brazil had the last word to push its lead to 4-1 after the opening quarter.
Brazil kept things rolling to begin the second period with a pair of quick goals. Midway through the period, Axton Rasmusson scored for the United States followed by another goal for the Brazilians. Chavez responded with a powerful skip shot for a goal before Brazil sent another goal into the back of the net for an 8-3 advantage at halftime.
In the second half, defense owned the first three minutes of the third quarter. Tai Ryker Engelman ended the scoring drought with a natural goal and then Rasmusson stepped up to bury a penalty shot attempt for Team USA. Brazil answered with a goal off a rebound before Engelman slung his second goal into the back of the net. After a timeout, the Brazilians took advantage of a power play to hit double digits on the day. With just :04 to play in the quarter, Brazil scored with a nice backhand shot to set the score at 11-6 after three.
Brazil took advantage of a power play opportunity to begin the final frame. After earning a penalty, the Americans sent Rasmusson to the five meter line and he converted. From there, the hosts scored on a pair of counter attacks and never looked back. Chavez would score on a penalty shot attempt late but Brazil put the game to rest with a last second goal in front of a raucous home crowd to come away with a 15-8 win.
Team USA went 2/8 on power plays and 3/3 on penalties while Brazil went 3/7 on power plays and 1/1 on penalties.
Scoring - Stats
USA 8 (1, 2, 3, 2) C. Chavez 3, A. Rasmusson 3, TR. Engelman 2
BRA 15 (4, 4, 3, 4) R. Winter 5, P. Cesar 4, M. Malardo 2, M. Wulfhorst 2, R. Frietas 1, B. Nicoletti 1
Saves - USA - K. Hudgens 9 - BRA - V. Meira 11
6x5 - USA - 2/8 - BRA - 3/7
Penalties - USA - 3/3 - BRA - 1/1
