U.S. Men’s CP National Team Defeats Venezuela 1-0 at Parapan Am Games

SANTIAGO, Chile (November 22, 2023) - Shea Hammond’s late goal lifted the U.S. Men’s Cerebral Palsy (CP) National Team to a 1-0 win over Venezuela Wednesday afternoon in both teams’ fourth match at the 2023 Parapan American Games. Hammond’s goal with seven minutes remaining was his second of the tournament, while goalkeeper Sean Boyle and the defensive effort secured the team’s first shutout at this tournament.

The win brings the USA to six points after four games and into third place on goal differential. The team will play its last group match Thursday against Canada (3pm ET), needing a win or tie or a Chile or Venezuela loss or tie in order to clinch a berth in a medal match on Saturday.

• STANDINGS AND RESULTS - Juegos Parapanamericanos 2023

The U.S. had the bulk of possession and opportunities on the day, outshooting Venezuela 24-5, including 13 shots on goal. The team hit the woodwork four times - twice off the fingertips of Venezuelan goalkeeper Cristian Moreno.

Captain and defender Josh Brunais set the tone for the team, pushing forward early and getting off three of the team’s first four shots on frame. Backline teammate John Sullivan also tested Moreno early, and midfielder Wes Pincince pinged a 25-yard shot off the crossbar, and later Moreno got just enough of a near post shot to tip off the right post.

Despite the heavy pressure, Venezuela came close to capitalizing in the 10th minute when Stewart Ortiz got behind the backline. Boyle came off his line and tried to clear the ball just outside the top of the box. Ortiz blocked the clearance but could not catch up to the rebound that went just wide of the USA goal.

Hammond, who replaced Cameron DeLillo midway through the first half, was a menace to the Venezuela defense, getting off eight shots while keeping the defense on guard.

The 21-year-old finally broke through in the 53rd. Sullivan did well to push high and receive a ball at the top of the box, shifting it to his preferred right and hitting a solid low shot down the center. Hammond stepped in front and got a slight deflection, enough to evade Moreno who got a foot on it as he moved the opposite way. The ball had enough momentum to cross the line and secure the team’s second win of the tournament.

- U.S. MEN’S CP NATIONAL TEAM MATCH REPORT-

Match: United States Men’s CP National Team vs. Venezuela
Date: November 22, 2023
Competition: Parapan American Games
Venue: Estadio Bicentenario de la Florida
Attendance: TBD
Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. ET
Weather: 74 degrees; Clear

Scoring Summary:  1          2          F
USA                            0          1          1
VEN                            0          0          0

USA - Shea Hammond (John Sullivan)   53'

Lineups:
USA: 1-Sean Boyle, 13-Josh Brunais (Captain), 5-John Sullivan, 10-Ben Lindau, 9-Cameron DeLillo (14-Shea Hammond, 17), 4-Wes Pincince (8-Drew Bremer, 47), 3-Jacob Crumbley (7-Adam Ballou, 52)
Substitutes: 12-Marc Estrella, 2-Frankie Lowery, 6-Jacob Kaplan, 11-Kevin McCandlish
Head Coach: Stuart Sharp

VEN: 1-Cristian Moreno, 3-Edwin Rangel, 6-Richard Mogollon, 7-Gabriel Bravo (5-Javier Parra, 26), 8-Roberto Chacon (4-Anthony Rea, 31), 13-Stewart Ortiz (9-Jessi Yari, 31; 11-Saul Torres, 60+3)
Substitutes: 12-Marlon Bello, 2-Gabriel Medina, 14-Yonfer Zamora
Head coach: Gustavo Pulido

Stats Summary: USA / VEN
Shots: 24 / 5
Shots on Goal: 13 / 1
Saves: 8 / 1
Corner Kicks: 8 / 4
Fouls: 7 / 5

Misconduct Summary:
None

Officials:
Referee: Adrian Santa (COL)
Assistant Referee: Victor Navarro (CHI)
Assistant Referee: Sofia Henriquez (CHI)
Fourth Official: Jose San Juan (CHI