Canada came out looking for the win today as they were up on the score board early in the 3rd minute of the game. Transferring the ball from the right side, Stephanie JAMESON found a waiting Diana ROEMER high up the field on the left sideline. A simple pass down the line to a speedy Natalie SOURISSEAU saw some crafty stick work along the baseline leading to a great tap in by Jessalyn WALKEY. Up 1-0, Canada began to settle in and look to maintain possession and choose there moments to attack. Frustrated by a few missed opportunities, veteran defender Stephanie JAMESON stepped up to bat on Canada’s second short corner in the 18th minute. A great direct strike low to the goalie’s stick side put Canada in the lead by two. In the 33rd minute, Thea CULLEY found herself alone in the middle of the circle for a great reverse stick shot that was brilliantly saved by Trinidad & Tobago’s goal keeper, Petal DERRY.
Following the half-time Canada continued to dominate in pressure and attack near the circle but were unfortunate not to capitalize on several of their opportunities. Most notably, a quickly taken reverse stick hit from outside the circle by Katie BAKER just screamed past a diving Thea CULLEY for what would have been Canada’s third goal of the match. A series of short corners for Canada were awarded at the 44th, 52nd and 53rd minute of play but again, Canada was unable to capitalize. It was not until the 62nd minute when a great interception and hit into the circle by Abigail RAYE lead to a deflection up into the mesh by Natalie SOURISSEAU to finally put Canada up by 3. Only two minutes left in the game and a run up the left side by Ali LEE found Abigail RAYE near the top of the circle who was able to pass the ball into space for Katie BAKER to seal the game at 4-0. Canada was awarded a penalty corner in the final minute of the game but that was shot high and wide.
Brienne STAIRS, of Ontario earned her first international cap for Canada. Canada’s next game will be on Saturday at 1:00pm.
Starting Line-Up: Azelia LIU, Stephanie JAMESON, Diana ROEMER, Sara McMANUS, Abigail RAYE, Katie BAKER, Tyla FLEXMAN, Natalie SOURISSEAU, Kate GILLIS, Jessalyn WALKEY, Thea CULLEY
Substitutes: Ali LEE, Hannah HAUGHN, Danielle HENNIG, Krissy WISHART, Brienne STAIRS
DNP: Poonam SANDHU, Sam SMITH
