Canada defeats development side 3-2 on Day 2 of 4 Nation 

July 16, 2011

The two Canadian teams (the National Team and the Development “A” Team) played each other in the 4 Nation Classic in Vancouver in a spirited contest much closer that could be anticipated.

The young “A” team surprised their opponent with a fast start and nearly scored in the first minute of play, stealing a ball from a far too casual defender, but they could not put it past Azelia LIU in goal. Canada reacted right away and managed to open the scoring in the 6th minute by Thea CULLEY after a period of intense pressure. They thought that they had scored again soon after, but the goal was denied and the “A” team immediately tied the game at the other end by Kim SCRAPER after a speedy counter-attack.

Despite their superior experience, the Canadian team had a hard time gaining control of play. They nevertheless maintained their structure patiently and progressively pushed their opponent on their heels, but Kaitlyn WILLIAMS in goal was having an excellent game and prevented further scoring.

In the final minutes of the period, Ali LEE made a decisive run into the 25m and offered a splendid ball to Michelle WEBER who could push it underneath Azelia LIU, for an unexpected, but not undeserved, lead for the Canadian “A” team. Once again, Canada reacted promptly and forced a penalty-corner, scored by Thea CULLEY with no time on the clock for a tied score (2-2) at half-time.

Canada had a better ball circulation but, under constant pressure from their young opponents, were making some uninspired choices and could not generate any dangerous chances. The first serious opportunity of the period was for the “A” team on a penalty-corner earned after a period of intense activity, but the shot was wide.

Play was balanced and entertaining for most of the period, with both teams certainly not holding back their punches despite knowing their opponents well. Canada finally regained the lead in the 63rd minute by Jesslyn WALKEY, receiving the ball in traffic in front of the goal, but still managing to turn and beat goal-keeper from close range.

Canada “A”: Kaitlyn WILLIAM (GK), Katie COLLISON, Ali LEE, Maddie SECCO, Emma PLASTERAS, Rachel DONOHOE, Brienne STAIRS, Kate THOMPSON, Shannon ELMITT, Sara McMANUS, Alexandra McCAWLEY

Substitutes: Mary NIELSEN, Kim SCRAPER, Marian DICKINSON, Michelle WEBER, Amanda WOODCROFT

DNP: Bea FRANCISCO (GK)

Canada: Kate GILLIS, Samantha SMITH, Stephanie JAMESON, Thea CULLEY, Katie BAKER, Abigail RAYE, Diana ROEMER, Tyla FLEXMAN, Kristine WISHART, Jessalyn WALKEY, Azelia LIU (GK)

Substitutes: Danielle HENNIG, Poonam SANDHU, Hannah HAUGHN, Natalie SOURISSEAU