Women – Canada vs. Chile: 0-0
This game was the “final” of the first 4 Nation Classic tournament in Vancouver, both teams were unbeaten after victories over Trinidad & Tobago and Canada “A”.
Before the game, Stephanie JAMESON was honoured for her 150th International Cap, an impressive tally. By coincidence, her brother David was also supposed to celebrate his 150th Cap today, but the last minute change in schedule delayed this commemoration until tomorrow.
Chile started the match fast but Canada promptly took control of the game, with good pace and swift passes in midfield. Katie BAKER forced a penalty corner for the first serious chance of the match, but the direct shot was wide.
Chile was staying well regrouped in defense and weathered the storm calmly, then progressively pushed forward to threaten the Canadian circle. But play stabilized in midfield, with both teams working hard but unable to find the key to penetrate the opposing defence. Chile slightly dominated the end of first period, but the break was reached without any goal.
Canada received a severe yellow card early in second period, and conceded a penalty-corner to follow, but it was well saved by Azelia LIU in goal. The Canadians held their ground firmly while short one player, then play was again confined in midfield for a long period, neither team managing to take the upper hand.
The game was intense and “spirited”, but messy at times, with passes going astray. The two best chances of the period came nearly back to back. First a golden opportunity for Chile, with an attacker receiving the ball in front of the empty net and the whole Canadian defense out of reach, but her shot was high over the crossbar. Then a quick counter-attack put acouple Canadian attackers in good position, but the shot was also off target.
Fatigue was stepping in after this high paced game, but Canada nevertheless managed an energetic push in the last five minutes of play, but to no avail. The match ended with a tied 0-0 score, giving the victory in this first 4-Nation tournament to Chile on goal difference.
The second 4 Nation tournament starts on Wednesday,with Japan replacing Canada “A”. Games on Wednesday: Chile vs. Trinidad &Tobago (2:00pm) and Canada vs. Japan (4:00pm).
Canada Startine Line-up: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