Match Four of Chile Tour Sees USMNT Tie Mendoza

SANTIAGO, Chile – The No. 25 U.S. Men’s National Team faced a new opponent for game four of their Chile Tour at the National Stadium Sports Park in Santiago, Chile. In their penultimate match, the Wolves tied Mendoza, 2-2.

“We are happy with some areas of our performance but need to keep working to perform under fatigue,” said Allan Law, USMNT Head Coach. “Four games in five days is a very challenging schedule, we will rest up tomorrow and prepare to finish the series strong on Sunday.”

USA kicked off the match with a clear strategy, demonstrating their offensive intent from the outset. Aki Kaeppeler (New York, N.Y.) delivered a precise overhead to Alberto Montilla (Allen, Texas), who sent a cross that narrowly missed its target at the far post. The breakthrough came when USA earned the first penalty corner of the match. Pat Harris (Moorpark, Calif.) capitalized on a rebound to score, putting USA ahead, 1-0.

Mendoza responded by earning a set piece of their own. However, USA goalkeeper Hamzah Hashmi (Granada Hills, Calif.) executed a brilliant goal-line save, thwarting Mendoza’s attempts to equalize. As the first quarter came to a close, Mendoza had one last chance with another penalty corner, but once again were unable to convert.

USA continued their aggressive approach in the second frame. A. Kaeppeler once again launched an overhead pass to Montilla, resulting in another near goal at the far post. As the match intensified, a pivotal moment unfolded when Montilla was fouled, leading to a penalty stroke for the Wolves. Montilla confidently found the back of the net, extending USA’s lead to 2-0. Mendoza, however, was determined not to back down, capitalizing on a scramble for a loose ball in the circle to narrow the score to 2-1. One final attempt on goal from Kei Kaeppeler (Stuttgart, Germany) was unsuccessful, and the score stood at 2-1 as the teams headed into halftime.

In the third quarter, Mendoza ramped up their intensity, earning a penalty corner opportunity. They capitalized on this chance with a flick, leveling the score at 2-2. Emboldened by their equalizer, Mendoza continued to press for the advantage, creating additional pressure. They earned three more set pieces throughout the quarter, each time unable to convert, leaving the score tied at 2-2 as the third frame ended.

With both teams seeking the crucial go-ahead goal, fourth quarter action was fast paced, with play swinging back and forth. Mendoza earned a penalty corner first, but Hashmi stood tall, denying their attempt. As the game neared its conclusion, Hashmi was called upon again to keep the score level. Despite Mendoza’s persistent efforts, they were unable to break through. With the final whistle, the score remained tied at 2-2.

For their fifth and final match of the tour, USA will play Chile on Saturday, December 21 at 5:30 p.m. ET.

For more information, visit the USMNT vs. Chile Event Page.

All matches will not be sanctioned by the FIH or livestreamed.