Four penalty corner goals proved to be the difference for the Americans as they moved to the top of Pool B alongside Canada at the Spooky Nook Sports Complex.

Kathleen Sharkey scored three times for the US while two from Ali Froede and a single from Jill Witmer sealed an impressive win.

Canada also enjoyed a sensational start to the event as they thrashed Brazil 9-0.

Karli Johansen, Stephanie Norlander and Nikki Woodcroft all found the back of the net twice.

Canadian captain Kate Wright also scored as the forward became the highest capped Canadian women’s player in history with 169 appearances to surpass Stephanie Jameson. 

Sara McManus and Shanlee Johnston completed the scoring.

In today's third and final women's match, Argentina overcame Chile 2-1 in Pool A.

It was a fierce battle that saw the Leonas triumph thanks to goals from Maria Granatto and Maria Campoy.

Sofia Walbaum scored for Chile from a penalty corner in the last minute of the game but it proved to be a mere consolation.

This year's event marks the first time that the US has hosted the Pan American Cup.

Another first is the fact that it is a dual-gender competition, with men's and women’s matches taking place on alternate days.

The men's event resumes tomorrow with the second round of pool stage play.