Standard Chartered Bank Men's Junior World Cup 2009
Updated on June 23, 2009
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June 21, 2009
2009 Men's Junior World Cup Finals
On the last day of the Standard Chartered Bank FIH Junior Men's World Cup here in Johor Bahru, Germany defeated the Netherlands to take their fifth ever Junior Men World Cup title while Australia defeated New Zealand to claim the bronze medal.
Germany defeat Netherlands 3:1 (1:1)
The Standard Chartered Bank FIH Junior Men's World Cup ended with the 82nd match of the competition, the grand finale between the Netherlands and Germany.
It was a top level game between the two European sides, 70 minutes of intense and skillful hockey in a stadium filled beyond capacity with some 6000 plus spectators enthusiastically supporting the sides battling for the ultimate honors in age group field hockey.
The first half was open battle, with slight advantages on the Dutch side, but neither team could get the ball in the net until Mink van der Weerden, topscorer of this tournament, sank his 13th goal in his 9th match to claim the lead for his side. The goal was immediately followed by the equalizer through Marco Miltkau however, and the teams went up until and into the break deadlocked.
In the second half, Germany slowly gained the upper hand, holding the bigger percentage of ball possession and playing with more forward drive than the Oranjes.
Even though the lead eventually came from a goal stemming from a disastrous defensive error, as the Dutch let a long ball along the back line pass for it to find its way to Florian Fuchs alone at the far post who tapped it into the empty goal, the lead was deserved, and Germany was soon to confirm that.
Now on a roll, Germany added their next goal through Jan Fleckhaus minutes later, extending the lead to two goals with nine minutes to go, and that was that: the Netherlands could not avoid the defeat. Germany even had another opportunity with seconds to go but did not convert, with all their thoughts already on the certain big prize.
Germany are thus the new Junior World Champions, while individual awards were handed to Niklas Sakowsky from Germany as Bets Goalkeeper, Mink van der Weerden from Holland as the Topscorer, Florian Fuchs from germany as Man of the Match (Final), and Simon Child from New Zealand as the Best Player of the Tournament. Champions Germany also claimed the Fair Play Trophy.
Australia defeat New Zealand 4:1 (3:0)
In an exciting match between Oceanian rivals Australia and New Zealand, Australia finished a step ahead today, downing the Blacksticks 4:1 despite playing a significant part of the second half one man, and for five minutes even two men, down.
Australia started off the vastly more dangerous team, pushing play back into the Kiwi half of the field for long stretches of time in the first half, and creating a number of good opportunities even before the Bates twins went on a scoring spree, shooting Australia to a 3:0 advantage at halftime.
Timothy Bates started the scoring with a lovely goal from open play in the 14th minute, while brother Michael sank a penalty corner to double the score 13 minutes later. Timothy then piled on another field goal in the 27th minute to give Australia a near insurmountable lead while the New Zealanders seemed to be running on empty, perpetually chasing their opponents.
In the second half, the Junior Blacksticks finally brought a bit more to the game, and Joseph Bartholomew got them on the scoreboard with a penalty corner conversion, but the New Zealanders looked too tired to really break through.
As the game noticeably heated up, Tristan White collected a yellow card that turned into a red after protesting, and New Zealand had the advantage in numbers, an advantage that doubled when Matt Ghodes picked up a yellow card five minutes later, and suddenly it was 11 on 9.
Despite the superiority in numbers, the Kiwis couldn't reduce the Aussie lead however, and weren't even able to create much danger except for one Simon Child solo run that saw his shot go wide. Matt Ghodes returned to make it ten Australians on the field facing eleven Newzealanders, and to add insult to injury, Adrian Lockley scored a fourth goal for Australia, lobbing a ball into the net in a crowded circle.
Australia thus claim the bronze medal, while New Zealand finish fourth at the 2009 Standard Chartered Bank FIH Junior Men's World Cup.
Australia - New Zealand 4:1 (3:0)
AUS - Timothy BATES FG 14m
AUS - Michael BATES PC 24m
AUS - Timothy BATES FG 27m
NZL - Joseph BARTHOLOMEW PC 47m
AUS - Adrian LOCKLEY FG 69m
Germany defeat Netherlands 3:1 (1:1)
NED - Mink van der WEERDEN PC 22m
GER - Marco MILTKAU FG 24m
GER - Florian FUCHS FG 57m
GER - Jan FLECKHAUS FG 61m
June 20, 2009
USA vs. Singapore
The USA Field Hockey Men's Under-21 National Team fell to Singapore, 3-1, in their final match at the 2009 Men's Junior World Cup in Malaysia. Jon Ginolfi had the American goal. The USA finishes the tournament in 20th place.
OFFICIAL FIH GAME REPORT
Singapore beat USA and turn 19th
Singapore celebrated their first victory in their last game. With a convincing performance they defeated the USA 3:1. The game for the 19th rank was a very close one. Both teams got their opportunities and bothered to score. In the 29th minute Singapore took the lead through a penalty corner goal. US-goalkeeper Kevin Segeren was able to save two attempts but could not do anything about the third one. Johnson Sivalingam waited at the left post and converted.
Closer to the halftime whistle the sky turned dark and lightning and thunder overcame the Sengkang stadium. But the thunder-storm did not start and the match finished.
Just five minutes were played in the second half when Enrico Elifh Marican increased Singapore’s lead out of a crowded circle. USA fought to get back into the game and tried to put the hosts early under pressure. While USA concentrated on attacking Singapore got always dangerous through counter-attacks. The 3:0 scored by Johnson Sivalingam again was a counter-attack goal. US-team captain Jonathan Ginolfi brought some hopes back when he converted a penalty stroke in minute 60.
To sum up the Singaporeans played more clever than they did in their last match versus the USA which they lost just two seconds before the final whistle. It seemed that Singapore had learned from the fault they made last time. Today they kept attention till the final whistle went and earned the victory which means rank 19.
USA v Singapore 1:3 (0:1)
0:1 Johnson SIVALINGAM (PC), 0:2 Enrico Elifh MARICAN (FG), 0:3 Johnson SIVALINGAM (FG), 1:3 Jonathan GINOLFI (PS)
June 17, 2009
USA vs. Chile
Nick Szoke updates the player blog! >>
The USA Field Hockey Men’s Under-21 National Team fell to Chile, 2-1, in the final crossover match of the 2009 Men’s Junior World Cup in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Team captain Jon Ginolfi scored for the Americans.
With the result, the USA will face Singapore in the 19/20 classification match on Saturday, June 20 at 5:30pm local / 5:30am Eastern. The USA finished crossover play in Pool I with two victories and one loss.
Three teams in Pool I have two victories and six points – Russia sits atop with +2 goal differential. With both teams +1 in goal differential, Chile edged out the USA for second place based on head-to-head play. Russia and Chile will contest the 17/18 classification match.
The USA had the opportunity to play into the 17/18 game with a win or tie over Chile. But Chile’s Sven Richter opened the scoring in the 11th minute putting Chile ahead, 1-0 at the USA back on their heels.
“We played too timidly to start,” said Head Coach Nick Conway. “We needed to push for the win, but psychologically it wasn’t there.”
Chile added a second goal before the half from Martin Rodriguez, heading to the locker room with a 2-0 lead.
“We allowed two soft goals,” said Conway.
The USA began the second half with greater intensity, and, at times, had a personnel advantage as Chile collected three yellow cards.
Team captain Jon Ginolfi got the USA on the scoreboard in the 63rd minute, with a backhand goal through the goalkeeper’s legs at the top of the circle. But the USA could not pull even, and Chile took the contest, 2-1.
“We need to shift the psychology of the group,” said Conway. “We’re pretty devastated to have missed the opportunity for the 17/18 game. So we’ve got to regroup and consciously work to get everyone focused.”
Conway has taken notice of the level of play of his young American squad against some of the world’s top junior national teams.
“Our ball-handling ability is definitely below the level required to perform in this tournament. That’s been glaringly obvious. The reality for us is our basic skills need to get better if we want to contest at this level.”
The Americans now set their sights on the 19/20 against Singapore, a squad that has gone winless so far in the tournament, but forced a close game against the USA in earlier Pool I play.
“The challenge against Singapore is to outlet the ball,” said Conway. “Last time we played, they had the ball two-thirds of the time. We’re going to be required to build and pass, and if we can do that effectively we can get a good result. If we can’t, it’s going another close game against Singapore.”
The match against Singapore will be the final one for the USA at the 2009 Men’s Junior World Cup.
“We’re going to try desperately to finish on a high note and win the game,” said Conway.
FIH GAME REPORT
Chile defeat USA 2:1 (2:0)
In a battle of hard working teams, Chile defeated the USA with two first half goals that the US boys could not overcome despite having the advantage in numbers for a big part of the second half as Chile collected three yellow cards after the break.
Sven Richter and Martin Rodriguez scored for Chile in the first half without the USA being able to answer in kind, but not for a lack of trying. The US boys fought tooth and nail to claw their way into the 17th place play-off but to no avail - Jon Ginolfi managed a late consolation goal, but time ran out, and Chile took victory.
June 16, 2009
USA vs. Singapore
Alexander v. Bieberstein and Andrew Zayac update the player blog! >>
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS NOW AVAILABLE! >>
USA U-21 Men - Match Report
By Mike Whitehead – Manager
The USA Field Hockey Men's Under-21 National Team defeated Singapore, 3-2, in the second game of crossovers at the 2009 Men's Junior World Cup in Singapore. Will Holt scored two goals, including the game winner in the 70th minute. Nick Szoke added a goal.
The USA made their first trip to the other 2009 Men’s Junior World Cup co-host, leaving Johor Bahru, Malaysia for a contest at Singapore’s Sang Keng Sports Centre.
As the match commenced, the USA had trouble getting the ball out of their defensive end and allowed Singapore a number of scoring opportunities. The USA dug in defensively, but ultimately allowed Singapore a penalty corner goal in the 25th minute.
“We were playing poorly and had no momentum,” said Head Coach Nick Conway. “All we were doing was defending, so we shifted some players.”
The changes resulted in some better possession for the USA, and led to a field goal by Nick Szoke in the 30th minute, drawing the match 1-1.
“We scored with our first circle penetration,” said Conway. “It’s a great credit to the guys. We’ve had some unbelievable strikes in the past few games.”
The USA began the second half some added urgency, in order to gain control of the match. Tyler Sundeen exhibited some ball handling skills, finding fellow striker Will Holt for a field goal in the 47th minute to take the lead, 2-1.
But Singapore continued to pressure the American defense, and equalized the score with a penalty corner goal in the 67th minute.
“Singapore was pushing forward,” said Conway. “They had the momentum.”
With the clock winding down, the USA played the ball down the left side into the Singapore defense, and with seconds remaining, Will Holt scored the game-winning field goal, as they USA took the match, 3 -2.
“We had an opportunity in front of the goal that we were unable to put away,” said Conway. “[Singapore] tried to force a pass that left them exposed at the back. Will Holt found himself with the ball in a back channel, and to his great credit he smashed to ball for the score.
“We won with the last hit of the game,” said Conway.
With the Americans looking for a spot in the 17/18 classification match and Singapore seeking their first victory of the tournament, both teams fought hard for their opportunities.
“It became a really open game,” said Conway. “You’ve got young guys on both teams that are just desperate to win a game of hockey.”
With the victory against Singapore, the USA claims two wins and six standing points to sit atop Pool I.
The USA faces Chile on Wednesday, June 17 at 7:00pm in Johor Bahru. A victory over Chile will secure a spot in the 17/18 classification match for the Americans.
Conway looks to improve some facets of the team’s play before the match.
“We’re having a problem with not being able to bring the ball into the front zone with the consistency we need,” said Conway. “We will need to improve significantly in that area if we want to be successful against Chile.”
STARTERS: SEGEREN (GK), DHADWAL, SHEURER, BARBER, AHLUWALIA, GINOLFI (C), WALSH, PELLE, HOLT, PADHIAR AND SZOKE.
PLAYED: SUNDEEND – T, SUNDEEN - R, von BEIBERSTEIN and SCALLY.
DNP: ZAYAC, MARTINEZ and CUNNINGHAM (DSQ)
MAN OF THE MATCH: HOLT
FIH GAME REPORT
USA defeat Singapore 3:2 (1:1)
In the other match in pool I today, the Singaporean hosts who are still without a point in this tournament, couldn't avoid recording their sixth consecutive defeat today.
After dominating the better part of the first half and going ahead with a Yi Ru Tan penalty corner goal, Singapore had to take the equalizer shortly before the break but still looked well on their way to their first points.
In the second half, the US boys gained more possession and were able to attack more after the home team had pushed play into the US half for long stretches of time in the first 35 minutes, and soon, they went into the lead with a William Holt goal.
With three minutes to go, Singapore equalized again, and the spectators started celebrating the home team's first point in the Standard Chartered Bank FIH Junior Men's World Cup, but there was a nasty surprise in store for them: with thirteen seconds to go, Singapore had a free hit from their circle, but instead of hitting it wide to pass time, one of the defenders decided to make a selfpass and go on a run - straight into turning over the ball that was hit into the circle without hesitation, where William Holt was waiting to finish it off.
The USA thus top the table in pool I after 2 of 3 pool matches, three points ahead of Russia and Chile.
June 14, 2009
USA vs. Russia
The USA Field Hockey Men's Under-21 National Team defeated Russia, 4-3, in the first game of crossovers at the 2009 Men's Junior World Cup in Malaysia. Viren Padhiar scored two goals for the USA, with Derk Pelle and team captain Jon Ginolfi contributing a goal each.
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS NOW AVAILABLE! >>
USA U-21 Men - Match Report
By Mike Whitehead – Manager
The Under-21 Men’s National Team opened the second phase of the 2009 Men’s National Team against Russia on Sunday, the first match of the day at Johor Bahru’s Taman Daya Stadium.
After two days of rest and closing out the rounds of pool play, the USA players were eager to show they were ready to compete and earn their first standing points.
The USA played well from the start with good structure, determined to protect their half and not allow Russia much room to attack. But in the 10th minute, the Americans allowed a Russia penalty corner goal. The USA tightened up their midfield space and marked better in their defense.
The Americans pushed deeper into the Russian defense, and after a number of scoring changes, Derk Pelle scored the equalizer in the 18th minute.
The USA attack continued, taking the lead in the 24th minute with a field goal from Viren Padhiar, followed by a penalty corner goal in the 26th minute from team captain Jon Ginolfi. The half ended with the USA ahead, 3-1.
As the second half began, Head Coach Nick Conway directed the team to play with intensity to Russia’s drive. The USA didn’t allow much in the early play, but with an unfortunate turnover allowed Russia to score a field goal in the 43rd minute, cutting the USA lead to 3-2.
The USA fought back, and with some nice ball distribution between Ginolfi and Padhiar, the Americans were able to score again. Padhiar scored his field goal in the 52nd min, extending the USA lead, 4-2.
Russia added a third goal in the 63rd minute and pressured to final whistle, but the USA held off the attack to take a 4-3 victory.
The USA came away with a much-needed win and their first points of the tournament. They now prepare for Singapore on June, 16th.
STARTERS: SEGEREN (GK), DHADWAL, SHEURER, BARBER, AHLUWALIA, GINOLFI (C), WALSH, SUNDEEN - R, HOLT, CUNNINGHAM, AND SZOKE.
PLAYED: SUNDEEND – T, PELLE, PADHIAR and SCALLY.
DNP: ZAYAC, von BEIBERSTEIN and MARTINEZ
GREEN Card – SCALLY, 14th min – GINOLFI 60th min.
YELLOW CARD – CUNNINGHAM, 58th min
MAN OF THE MATCH: GINOLFI, JON
FIH Game Report:
USA celebrate their first victory in the tournamentThrough a 4:3-victory over Russia the USA are leaders of Pool I. Both teams lost all games in the preliminary round. Today they got the chance to achieve their first points in Pool I which is the Pool for the final rankings 17 to 20. Supported by their yelling fans the USA got the better start into the 8.00 o´clock-game but missed out to take the early lead. Actually it were Russia who were able to convert their second penalty corner. Captain Alexey Mayorov scored after then minutes. Now the USA started to attack harder und pressed for the equalizer. Derk Pelle waited at the circle line, picked up the rebound and made the equalizer. The lead for the USA was a nice goal by Viren Padhier who won possession in midfield, had a drive to the goal and overcame Russia´s goalkeeper Andrey Ivanov. The Russian defence started to discuss afterwards, it seemed they blame each other for the second US-goal. When Russia still had the 1:2 in their minds, USA won immediately another penalty corner which succeeded as well. At half time the Russians were 1:3 down.
They started very aggressive in the second 35 minutes and gained three short corners in just a few minutes. But all of them were well saved by the US-American defence. Russia did not give up fighting and were successful in minute 43 with Nikolay Komarov. Afterwards they went for the equalizer, however Viren Padhier came out of the blue in the Russian circle and improved the lead. From now on Russia seemed very frustrated because a couple of penalty corners failed again. Russia had definitely the chances even to win that game but they were too ineffective in converting them. The 4:3 by Nikolay Yankun did not help the Russians anymore because USA defended strictly the last minutes of the game.
USA v Russia 4:3 (3:1)
0:1 Alexey MAYOROV (PC), 1:1 Derk PELLE (FG), 2:1 Viren PADHIER (FG), 3:1 Jonathan GINOLFI (PC), 3:2 Nikolay KOMAROV (FG), 4:2 Viren PADHIER (FG), 4:3 Nikolay YANKUN (FG)
June 12, 2009
Manny Martinez and Jed Cunningham update the player blog! >>
June 11, 2009
USA vs. England
Click the photo for more action shots from the game! >>
The USA Field Hockey Men's Under-21 National Team fell to England, 4-0, in their fourth match of the 2009 Men's Junior World Cup. The USA has completed pool play, and will resume crossover play on Sunday or Monday.
USA U-21 Men - Match Report
By Mike Whitehead – Manager
USA vs. England
The USA took on England in their fourth match in the 2009 Men’s Junior World Cup at Taman Daya Stadium.
After the three previous pool matches without a point in the standings, the team felt ready to compete and was optimistic they’d gained the knowledge to produce a favorable result against England.
The USA started play with good structure, planning to take England out of their systematic style. The Americans were competitive early with some strong defensive play, frustrating the English side.
England opened the scoring in the 24th minute, as the USA allowed a penalty corner. Goalkeeper Kevin Segeren made a fantastic save on the first corner strike, but England collected the rebound and scored for 1-0 scoreline.
The USA continued to follow their plan, forcing a few circle penetrations and was awarded their first penalty corner near the end of the half. Will Holt’s drag flick was off target and the half came to an end.
The American coaching staff and team made some adjustements at the half, in order to protect their defensive half and produce opportunities to score. The Americans were under pressure from the start, and after some unfortunate turnovers from the defense, they conceded two quick field goals to England, putting them down 3-0.
The USA continued to pressure, but had limited opportunities inside the England twenty-five. England added a fourth goal in the 51st minute, and the contest ended 4-0.
The USA squad and staff were disappointed to not earn a standing point against England. The Americans team finished fifth in their pool. The remaining game times and location for the tournament will be decided after the final matches on June 12th. The schedule will be posted sometime early on June 13th.
STARTERS: SEGEREN (GK), DHADWAL, SHEURER, BARBER, AHLUWALIA, GINOLFI (C), WALSH, PELLE, HOLT, CUNNINGHAM, AND SUNDEEND – T.
PLAYED: SUNDEEND – T, MARTINEZ, PADHIAR, SCALLY and SZOKE.
DNP: ZAYAC, von BEIBERSTEIN
GREEN Card – HOLT, 45th min – MARTINEZ, 55th min.
YELLOW CARD – CUNNINGHAM, 67th min
MAN OF THE MATCH: SEBASTIAN SHEURER
Notes from Terry Walsh, USA Field Hockey Techincal Director of High Performance:
"A solid first 20 minutes from the USA. We went into half time 1-0 down, but with England being put well on guard. USA defended extremely well and built some solid attacks against a very frustrated and challenged England squad.
"
The start of the 2nd half saw two very quick goals and we became very disjointed. An admirable fight under fatigue with yesterday’s game took its toll as England came in with fresh legs.
"
A final 4-0 scoreline but with several corners and a few chances which could well have yielded a score for the USA."
June 10, 2009
USA vs. Malaysia
Click the photo for more action shots from the game! >>
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS are now available! >>
USA U-21 Men - Match Report
By Mike Whitehead – Manager
In their third match at the 2009 Men’s Junior World Cup, the USA faced host Malaysia at Taman Daya Stadium. The home crowd was in full force, 6000 fans in the stands, standing room only.
The USA came into the match ready for the home crowd and side. The USA had good intentions but in second minute, Malaysia dispossessed the left half defender and scored a quick field goal. Malaysia notched another quick goal and the USA was down 2-0 within five minutes.
Eventually the Americans settled in, but in the tenth minute the USA was pushed into another counter attack by Malaysia. A shot on goal was stopped by Sebastian Sheurer’s body, and Malaysia was awarded a penalty shot. Malaysia converted for a 3-0 score.
The USA continued to follow their game plan, building confidence by getting the ball through the midfield to feed the forwards in space. Even after conceding a fourth goal, the USA kept their composure and took the crowd out of the match with better defending and patience.
In the 30th minute, some fine passing from Ajai Dhadwal and Jon Ginolfi led to an attack on the right side, finally finding Nick Szoke in front of the Malaysian goal for a nice backhand shot and a score for the USA. The Americans continued to keep the Malaysian side at bay and controlled the final minutes of the half for a 4-1 score.
The USA controlled the match from the start of the second half, playing with confidence and adjustments from Head Coach Nick Conway. The American defense did not allow Malaysia much in the front field, displaying great patience and tackling.
The USA forced two penalty corners, and in the 60th minute, Jed Cunningham put in a rebound off the Malaysian goalkeeper, for a 4 – 2 score.
The USA didn’t allow the Malaysia’s attack much, but eventually Malaysian converted a penalty corner to make the match 5 -2. With time expiring, the USA continued to push but the opportunities were limited and the final whistle came.
STARTERS: SEGEREN (GK), DHADWAL, SHEURER, BARBER, AHLUWALIA, GINOLFI (C), WALSH, PELLE, HOLT, CUNNINGHAM, AND SZOKE.
PLAYED: SUNDEEND – T, MARTINEZ, PADHIAR, SCALLY and SUNDEEND – T.
DNP: ZAYAC, von BEIBERSTEIN
GREEN Card – HOLT, 39th min
MAN OF THE MATCH: AJAI DHADWAL
Notes from Terry Walsh, USA Field Hockey Techincal Director of High Performance:
"This was a memorable moment for the group – a huge crowd with a credible performance.
"The initial nine minutes saw USA 3-0 down and another Malaysian goal to follow before the 15 minute mark of the first half. We scored just before half time and were back in the match from the point of view of control.
"A very good second half saw a 2-4 scoreline, with a penalty corner rebound to the USA. The USA held until 6 minutes to go in the match when Malaysia converted their first penalty corner of the game [for a 2-5 final].
"A much improved performance with the growth of the group highly significant."
June 8, 2009
USA vs. Spain
Match Report by Mike Whitehead, Team Manager
The USA’s second match was against Spain, and they looked to make some advancement in their play after their disappointing loss against Korea on Sunday.
The coaching staff prepared the team for the Spanish side, and the Americans went into the first half with stamina and poise. The USA played well against their opponent the first 20 minutes, by being patient and allowing Spain to play in their own half..
The Americans allowed a soft goal from a Spanish left striker entering the left side of the circle, making it 1 – 0 Spain. The USA continued with their game plan but Spain used their first goal to breed momentum to put another two goals in before the end of the first half making it 3 – 0 Spain.
Coming back from the half, Head Coach Nick Conway demanded the squad to play and fight, and try to improve in key spots. With the continued pressure from a focused Spanish team, the USA made some critical mistakes and turnovers, and allowed six additional goals before the end of the match, putting them at a 0 – 9 loss to Spain.
The USA squad and staff are disappointed with the loss. This match wasn’t one of the better performances from the Americans, but one to learn from. The USA will take the host MALAYSIA on June 10th at 7:30 pm in front of the home crowd.
STARTERS: SEGEREN (GK), DHADWAL, SHEURER, BARBER, SUNDEEN – R, GINOLFI (C), WALSH, PELLE, HOLT, CUNNINGHAM, AND SZOKE.
PLAYED: AHLUWALIA, MARTINEZ, von BEIBERSTEIN, SCALLY and SUNDEEND – T.
DNP: ZAYAC, PADHIAR
GREEN Card – SZOKE
June 7, 2009
USA vs. Korea
Match Report by Mike Whitehead, Team Manager
The USA first match was against Korea to start the Junior World Cup tournament at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru.
The USA’s plan against the Koren squad was to control the fast and fit opponent by allowing them to play in their own half, compressing their own defense with numbers, and being patient. The USA played to compete from the start, allowing limited opportunities the first eight minutes by defending their half and circle, but had some technical turnovers allowing Korea to force their first penalty corner in the 9th minute. Korea converted the PC to put the score at 1-0. The USA allowed a Korea field goal nine minutes later to put the US down 2-00. The USA was under a number of counter attacks from some turnovers through their midfield, allowing Korea two more PC goals at the 25th minute and 29th minute putting the US at 4 – 0 at the half.
The USA came back from the half with Men’s Under-21 National Team Head Coach Nick Conway demanding the USA squad play with strength and power out of their defense. With the continued pressure, the US made some mistakes getting the ball out of their defense and causing some unforced turnovers. After a hard fought battle the US allowed three additional goals, FG – 44th, FG – 47th min and PC – 58th min ending the match at 7 - 0.
The USA came away disappointed with the loss, as they know they could have competed much better then they did. Moving forward the Americans will take their first match with some important points as they prepare for their next match against the SPANISH team on June 8th at 5 pm.
STARTERS: SEGEREN (GK), DHADWAL, SHEURER, BARBER, AHLUWALIA, GINOLFI (C), WALSH, PELLE, HOLT, CUNNINGHAM, AND SZOKE.
PLAYED: SUNDEEN – R, PADHIAR, von BEIBERSTEIN, SCALLY and SUNDEEND – T.
Yellow Card – RYAN SUNDEEN (27th min)
The USA Field Hockey Men's Under-21 National Team fell to Korea, 7-0, in their first match of the 2009 Men's Junior World Cup. Competition continues against Spain on Monday at 5:00pm local / 5:00am Eastern!
Follow all the action on the Official FIH website! >>
Photos of the game are now available! Click the photo on the left or CLICK HERE for photos from Sunday's game!
June 6, 2009
Ryan Sundeen, Tyler Sundeen and Colin Scally update the player blog from Malaysia! >>
June 5, 2009
Ryan Sundeen, Tyler Sundeen and Colin Scally update the player blog from Malaysia! >>
June 4, 2009
Kevin Barber updates the player blog from Malaysia! >>
Notes from Under-21 Men's Head Coach Nick Conway:
"Here are the video highlights from our final training game on June 4. We played a very competent Belgium team in our final tournament training game.Final Score: Belgium 6-0 USA.
"We were able to create some limited but high quality opportunities of our own that upon reflection we should have achieved more with. We missed a penalty stroke in the first half and squandered a good opportunity in front of goal in the second.
"The European style of play caused us many problems that we now have an opportunity to discuss and attempt to remedy prior to playing Spain and England in pool play.
"
We will be much stronger for this experience as our quality and intensity of play was far superior than in the previous Japanese game. We continue to improve with each outing which is encouraging. The players are very responsive, enjoying the experience and embracing the significant challenges that lay ahead.
"Today we are recovering from our two preparation games and taking some time to relax prior to the tournament beginning on Sunday."
June 3, 2009
Notes from Under-21 Men's Head Coach Nick Conway:
"Here are the video highlightsfrom our first training game v Japan on June 3.The match was 2-0 at half time and 2-1 to Japan at full-time.
"We played very tentatively in the first half allowing the Japanese to dominate play for periods. However, the majority of the Japanese play came from our poor turnovers in critical areas feeding the fast Japanese counter-attack game. On occasion we were able to build positive and dynamic pieces of play going forwards.
"Overall, a very positive run out for the guys that showed the level of consistent performance that we need to aspire towards if we are to be competitive in pool play and beyond. Additionally, it created a great opportunity for our players to sample a taste of the Asian way of play.
"We play Belgium today to provide our players with a basis of understanding for the European style of play."
Ready for the World
Posted June 2, 2009
The USA Field Hockey Men’s Under-21 Team departed for Malaysia on Sunday, headed to the 2009 Standard Charted Men’s Junior World Cup. Running June 7-21, the under-21 field hockey competition sanctioned by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), as twenty of the world’s top junior national teams will compete in an expanded tournament field. The twenty are divided in four pools of five teams; the USA will compete in Pool C, which also features England, Korea, Spain and co-host Malaysia. Pool C will be contested at Taman Daya stadium in Johor, Malaysia.
The final stages of preparation for the Under-21 National Team took place over the Memorial Day weekend at the 2009 Cal Cup, an amateur field hockey competition held on the campus of Moorpark College near Los Angeles. 134 club teams in thirteen divisions featuring nearly 2000 athletes competed in the tournament.
“The Cal Cup is a fun event for everybody. We don’t get enough domestic competition, and the Cal Cup is a good level of competition.” said Men’s Under-21 Head Coach Nick Conway. “It’s a great opportunity for all players that are serious to play. I see the Cal Cup as a valuable component. It’s run by people who care deeply about the sport and they provide an environment for everyone who loves the sport to compete. It’s fantastic.”
The Under-21 Team competed in the eight-team Men’s Super Division, facing off against the top men’s team in the tournament.
“It gave us a great opportunity to play against adult sides and get that competitive element as well,” said Conway. “We wanted to make sure we got a physical run-out, so were training throughout that tournament. We’ve been playing some games against Moorpark Select and some other teams in this area, but nothing like the competitive level of the Cal Cup. It came at the perfect time for us, and helped us identify two or three areas we need to work on if we want to be successful in Malaysia.”
While the Under-21 Team played as a unit, several other teams in the Super Division featured members of the Senior Men’s National Team. The Camarillo Cougars, in particular, featured Men’s Senior Team captain Pat Harris, Pat Cota and other senior side members.
“We played the Cougars, which consisted of some members of the senior side and former international players,” said Conway. “It was a very interesting game. There were a lot of in-house competitive rivalries between the U21’s and senior men on the Cougars. It was fun to see.”
The Under-21 team finished 1-1-1 in three games of pool competition, as well as 4-0 victory in the crossover, before finally finishing in 6th place.
With these final scrimmages under their belts, the Under-21 Men now head to Malaysia for the 2009 Standard Charted Men’s Junior World Cup. The USA faces Korea in their first match of the tournament on Sunday, June 7 at 7:00pm local time.
The USA qualified for the Junior World Cup with their bronze medal performance at the 2009 Junior Pan American Cup in February, their first qualification ever at that level. The Junior World Cup roster highlights the youth movement in the USA men’s program, as nine players selected are also members of the USA Senior National Team. Under-21 Team Captain Jonathan Ginolfi and striker Jed Cunningham have over fifty combined caps at the senior level. Kevin Segeren was named Best Goalkeeper at the Junior Pan Am Cup.
This program was made possible through a funding partnership between the US Men’s Field Hockey Foundation and USA Field Hockey.
For more information on the 2009 Cal Cup, including more photos, visit www.calcup.net.
For official tournament coverage of the 2009 Men’s Junior World Cup, visit www.espnstar.com/hockey/junior-wc2009/.
Thanks to Darshan Ahluwalia and www.calcup.net for the photos!
Junior World Cup Team Announced
USA Field Hockey today announced the team roster for the 2009 Men's Junior World Cup, to be held June 7-21, 2009 and co-hosted by Malaysia and Singapore.
The USA qualified for the Junior World Cup with their bronze medal performance at the 2009 Junior Pan American Cup last October, their first qualification ever at that level. The Junior World Cup roster highlights the youth movement in the USA men's program, as nine players selected are also members of the USA Senior National Team. Jonathan Ginolfi and Jed Cunningham have over fifty combined caps at the senior level. Kevin Segeren was named Best Goalkeeper at the Junior Pan Am Cup.
"We have a very committed group of athletes that are training very hard to be ready to embrace the challenges ahead," said National Team Head Coach Nick Conway. "Everyone is looking forward to the Junior World Cup which will undoubtedly provide us with a huge building block opportunity in the development of our players as we move forwards. We have set clear performance targets which we feel if we perform effectively we can achieve regardless of the opposition that we face."
The USA Field Hockey 2009 Men's Junior World Cup team:
# |
Name |
Position |
College |
Hometown |
1 |
Jonathan Ginolfi |
Midfielder |
Moorpark College |
Moorpark, CA |
2 |
Kevin Barber |
Defender |
Moorpark College |
Camarillo, CA |
3 |
Nicholas Szoke |
Striker |
UNC - Wilmington |
Chesapeake, VA |
4 |
Ryan Sundeen |
Midfielder |
Moorpark College |
Simi Valley, CA |
5 |
Colin Scally |
Defender |
Moorpark College |
Thousand Oaks, CA |
7 |
Liam Walsh |
Midfielder |
Concrete HS |
Rockport, WA |
8 |
Sebastian Scheurer |
Defender |
CJD Braunschweig |
Braunschweig, GER |
9 |
Amrit Ahluwalia |
Defender |
UCLA |
Irvine, CA |
10 |
Kevin Segeren |
GK |
Adelbert College |
Voorschoten, Holland |
11 |
Will Holt |
Striker |
Moorpark College |
Camarillo, CA |
12 |
Ajai Dhadwal |
Defender |
Viewpoint HS |
Agoura Hills, CA |
13 |
Jed Cunningham |
Striker |
CSU Channel Islands |
Moorpark, CA |
14 |
Viren Padhiar |
Striker |
Fountain Valley HS |
Huntington Beach, CA |
15 |
Manny Martinez |
Striker |
Cuyamaca College |
Lakeside, CA |
16 |
Andrew Zayac |
GK |
Maryland |
Columbia, MD |
19 |
Alex von Bieberstein |
Midfielder |
Catalina Foothills HS |
Tucson, AZ |
- |
Tyler Sundeen |
Midfielder |
Simi Valley HS |
Simi Valley, CA |
- |
Derk Pelle |
Midfielder |
Maerlant Lyceum |
Rijswik, Netherlands |
STAFF:
Nick Conway, Head Coach
Michael Whitehead, Team Manager
Ben Maruquin, Assistant Coach
Jeremy Cook, Technical Assistant
TR St. Charles, Physiotherapist
The Men's Hockey Junior World Cup is an international under-21 field hockey competition sanctioned by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). Twenty of the world's top junior national teams will compete in an expanded tournament field. The twenty will be divided into four pools of five teams; the USA will compete in Pool C, which also features England, Korea, Spain and co-host Malaysia. Pool C will compete in at Taman Daya stadium in Johor, Malaysia.
"We are excited about this excellent opportunity to continue to build upon our high performance program," said Conway. "Competing in quality tournaments is the foundation for success at the international level. We are not about being happy to have achieved selection to the Junior World Cup, but we are committed to holding ourselves accountable for strong competitive performances during the tournament."
The Men's Hockey Junior World Cup was first contested in 1979, as has been contested every four years since 1985. Argentina is the returning champion, after defeating Australia 2-1 in the Junior World Cup finals the last Junior World Cup in Rotterdam, the Netherlands in 2005. Germany is the 2005 most successful nation, having won the tournament four times. In their only previous participation, the USA finished 11th at the 1989 Junior World Cup, held in Ipoh, Malaysia.
For more information on the 2009 Men's Junior World Cup, visit http://www.juniorworldcupmen2009.sportcentric.com/.