May 7, 2011
Canada defeated Austria in their first game of the Champions Challenge II in Vienna, Austria. Playing under sunny and warm skies (so bright that the spectators could not see the numbers on the score board!), Canada came out strong and dominated the first half. They were the first team to arrive in Vienna, but for the hosts, and it paid off in their preparation.
Canada’s strong start paid off at 12‘ when Katie Baker rang a straight shot low and hard on the stick side of the goalie on Canada’s first penalty Corner. This would put Canada up 1-0.
Canada continued their pressure, rewarded with a short corner at 24’ and several long corners. Austria’s only chance at 27’ resulted in a shot wide.
Canada struck again at 32’. Another short corner saw Jess Walkey calmly put a rebound in at the far post. Although Austria pressured late in the half, Canada took a comfortable 2-0 lead into halftime.
Austria re-grouped at half time, resulting in a much closer game. After Kate Gillis and Jess Walkey combined to almost find the net at 36’, Austria earned a shot on goal at 37’, saved well by Azelia Liu. Austria continued to mount pressure, particularly with the use of aerial passes to gain field advantage. The game continued for the next twenty minutes with both teams having chances to score. A good deflection by Di Roemer at 61’ just missed followed by a disputed short corner to Austria at 63’. Irene Balek scored on a fine tip for which the Canadian goalkeeper had no chance.
With Austria pressing and both teams not willing to give an inch, Green Cards were issued to Austria at 64’ and to Abi Raye at 65’. Although Austria earned a couple of long corners late in the game, Canada defended well to clinch the win.
Canada now plays Chile at 3:00 pm local time Sunday (6:00 am PDT) in what could be a crucial pool game as Chile defeated Italy 3-2 earlier in the day.
Starting line-up – Azelia Liu, Steph Jameson, Sam Smith, Abi Raye, Di Roemer, Krissy Wishart, Tyla Flexman, Katie Baker, Kate Gillis, Jess Walkey, Thea Culley. All subs (Katie Collison, Marian Dickinson, Dani Hennig, Hannah Haughn and Cailie O’Hara) played. Kaitlyn Williams and Sara McManus did not dress.
