Already out of the running for the semi-finals, and with neither side interested in finishing bottom of the pool, pride was very much on the line in a match in which both teams struggled to dominate.
Naea Bennett opened the scoring for Tahiti to give them an early lead but it was soon levelled up by USA striker Andrew Feld.
And it was Feld again who levelled for the Americans after Tahiti went ahead in the 7th minute following a fine finish from Raimana Li Fung Kuee.
With the score sitting at 2-2, it was the third period which would prove most decisive in separating the two evenly-matched sides.
Tahiti took control of the match through a strike from player-coach Teva Zaveroni in the opening minutes followed by a second for Bennett with two minutes remaining.
A quick turnaround saw Oscar Reyes find the net but with time quickly running out the Americans could not complete their comeback finishing bottom of the table and allowing Tahiti to take their first points of the tournament.
Tiki Toa pocket first points before heading home
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