Despite a valiant effort and strong second half surge, Canada lost 1-0 to Belgium in the quarter-finals of the Champions’ Challenge II tournament in Vienna. They now need to re-group and win their final two games to finish fifth. Before the game, Tyla Flexman was presented flowers by mother and two sisters, honouring her 50th cap.
Canada returned to their original starting line-up with Sam Smith drawing in for Sara McManus. Although Belgium pressured early, Canada earned a Penalty Corner at 4′, the shot from Katie Baker deflecting wide for a long corner. Belgium immediately returned to Canada’s end of the field, sending a shot wide at 6′ and generally dominating the first ten minutes of the half.
At 11′ Canada had another chance after a fine run by Jess Walkey and Kate Gillis. Belgium continued their strong play, earning several long corners and forcing Azelia Liu to make two fine saves. Belgium earned two Penalty Corners late in the half, with the second as time expired. However, their shot was deflected over the goal so the half ended scoreless.
Belgium began the second half with several chances, penetrating the circle dangerously. At 43′ a Penalty Corner shot went just wide. Goalkeeper Liu made a fine save off another Penalty Corner at 53′. However, on the ensuing PC, Belgium scored on a deflection to go ahead 1-0.
Canada re-grouped and began to force the play. Hannah Haughn was sent in alone on a fine pass from Thea Culley. Her reverse stick shot was deflected wide by the goalie for a long corner. Two minutes later Haughn made a fine run down the left side, but resulted in only a long corner. At 65′ Marian Dickinson was almost sent in alone at the top of the circle, but the ball deflected off her stick. However, as time ran down, Belgium managed to keep the ball in Canada’s end, holding onto their narrow victory.
Canada now plays Russia at 3:00 pm local time tomorrow (Friday) with the winner moving onto the 5/6th final on Sunday.
Starting Line-up: A. Liu, D. Roemer, S. Jameson, S. Smith, A. Raye, K. Baker, T. Flexman, K. Wishart, J. Walkey, T. Culley, K. Gillis
Subsitutions: D.Hennig, C. O’Hara, K. Collison, M. Dickinson, H. Haughn
DNP: K. Williams, S. McManus