United States Claims Bronze in CP Football

The North American team prevailed against Venezuela in the third-place final of Santiago 2023.

Saturday, November 25th, 2023.- United States secured the last spot on the podium in CP Football, defeating Venezuela 3-0 in the bronze medal match. 

The benches of the United States and Venezuela replicated the cautious approach seen in their previous encounter during the first half of the bronze medal match at the Estadio Bicentenario in La Florida. 

While the North American team controlled the field and the ball, the South American team sought to exploit counterattacks with the skillful play of their captain, José Luis Quintana. 

In the second half, Venezuela pushed forward, with the introductions of Anthony Rea and Jessy Yari. The North American team capitalized on this at the 34th minute with a lethal counterattack by Shea Hammond, who outpaced his marker and skillfully finished past Cristian Moreno. 

At the 41st minute, Hammond reaffirmed the American bronze by latching onto a dragged pass to overcome the Venezuelan resistance, making it 2-0. With this, the strength, the football, and especially the hopes of the Vinotinto seemed to disappear even more, especially when Francis Lowery scored the third goal, making it 3-0 with 10 minutes remaining. 

The United States team ultimately utilized their higher ranking and experience to secure the bronze in CP Football at the Parapan American Games. 

Written by Rodrigo Vargas; translated by Paulette Bertín / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport 
Photo by Pepe Alvujar / Santiago 2023 vía Photosport