(Jessica Hopp, The Tennessean, 06.24.08)

NASHVILLE — For the second time in as many games, Guatemala found itself unsuccessful in a shootout.

After dominating a majority of its match against Canada, Guatemala’s under-23 men’s team was outshot 5-3 in penalty kicks, giving the Canadians third place in the Olympic qualifying tournament Sunday at LP Field.

“I think today both teams represented their countries with passion and pride,” Canada Coach Nick Dasovic said. “In penalty kicks, it is just the luck of the day.”

Despite Guatemala’s 15 attempts on goal, the score was 0-0 after 90 minutes of regulation. Per tournament rules, the team skipped the two 15-minute overtime periods are customary in tied games and went straight to the shootout.

Canada’s goalie, David Monsalve, made what turned out to be the game-deciding save on Guatemala’s second shootout attempt when he tipped Jairo Arreola’s shot over the crossbar.

Canada, which went first in the shootout, made all five of its attempts, negating the necessity for Guatemala to take its final shot.

The win served as consolation for Canadians, who missed out on qualifying for the Olympics with a 3-0 loss to the United States on Thursday.

Saturday’s third-place finish means Canada will play in Beijing if the United States or Honduras — the region’s other Olympic qualifier — become unable to participate.