By Our Sports Reporter
IMPHAL Nov 24 : USA which had a dismal start with a 2-9 loss in the hands of England, made their way back at the 13th Manipur Polo International 2019 with a 6-5 win in a keenly contested clash against France today at Mapal Kangjeibung.
France which went down 4-5 to India-B (Manipur ) yesterday in their opening fixture started slowly and led the first chukker 1-0 thanks to Clement Gosset's strike in the 6th minute.
USA which were bereft of chances in first chukker pulled level in the 3rd minute of the second chukker through Benlynch before his team mate Tommy Huber overturned the lead in the 4th minute of the same chukker. The score was however brought to level again with France's captain Herve Simonot executing a fine chance in the 6th minute.
The following chukker proved to be the game changer as George Krabbe, Tommy Huber and Jorse Vasquez all connected to a goal each for USA and made it 5-3 at the end of the chukker.
The only goal for France in this chukker was scored by Clement Gosset who completed his treble in the last chukker in a losing cause. France did have some hope to restore parity in the last chukker as Romain Daroux made an effort count in the third minute but Tommy Huber's 3rd goal for USA in the same chukker came out to be the difference maker despite Clement Gosset's goal.
India-A will take on India B in the next match tomorrow before France play England in the 6th match of the tournament.