August 13, 2015
USA Wheelchair Rugby Beats Colombia, Plays For Gold vs. Canada
By Doug Coil
Today the Parapan Am Games saw Argentina beating Chile in a 5th Place Wheelchair rugby match 56-24. In an earlier Semi-final, Canada won 62-38 against Brazil and now plays the United States for the Gold tomorrow at 8pm ET to be streamed on http://www.paralympics.org/live-sport
In the other Semi-final, the United States dispelled Colombia 65-28 to set up a rematch with Canada, who they beat in double overtime 60-59 yesterday in an epic battle. The winner of the Gold Medal match qualifies for the Paralympics. The Bronze Medal match will feature Brazil against Colombia at 5:30pm and will also be streamed.
Take the leap to read more.
Game Recap USA v Colombia
During the first quarter of 8 minutes, the USA took an early lead 15-9 against Colombia. USA rotated two sets of four players for most of the quarter.
During the second quarter, the United States extended their lead to 32-14 at the half. The lead was expanded while utilizing its 3rd line. It appears that Colombia’s strategy is to rest key players for tomorrow’s Bronze Medal match.
At the end of the third quarter, the USA lead 48-21. Both Rob Deller and Clayton Brackett each have 13 goals.
The fourth quarter ended with the final United States 65-28 Colombia. The leading USA scorers were Clayton Brackett with 20 goals (based on commentator), while Rob Deller had 15 goals. The USA rested Chuck Aoki, while Josh Wheeler played limited minutes early.
During this quarter, Colombia’s Martinez entered the game. The crowd almost had their wish fulfilled that Colombia’s only female player would score, but her apparent score was nullified. Wheelchair rugby is a mixed gender sport.
The USA advance to the Gold Medal match against Canada tomorrow. It should be another thriller. The Colombians play Brazil for the Bronze.
