After a bit of a slow start the previous game, the WNT looked to come out strong against Wales, however, the Welsh who came out firing, putting Canada on the defensive, and generating a penalty stroke early on.
The stroke was batted away by the Canadian goalkeeper Kaitlyn Williams but served as the wake up call Canada needed. Not long after, Canada’s Kate Gillis gave her team a one goal lead after a long corner resulted in a chaotic scramble in front of the Welsh net. 1-0 for Canada.
As the minutes in the first half began to wind down, Canada maintained constant pressure, managing to keep the ball in their opponents end. Before the half came to a close, Canada struck again as Marion Dickinson converted a well-executed penalty corner into the team’s second goal. Her diving tip beat the Welsh keeper.
The second half commenced with the Canadian team again putting their opponents under immense pressure, dominating their attacking 25 for most of the second half. From the ground, Canada’s Gillis managed to net her second goal of the game to make the score 3-0 after midfielder Danielle Hennig drove towards the circle and hit a flat reverse shot.
Wales quickly responded, surging into the Canadian’s defensive end and winning a penalty corner. A strong shot from the top of the circle ricocheted off several players and resulted in Wale’s first goal of the three game series.
When the match ended, the score was 3-1 for the Canadians. Team Canada will take to the field again on Canada Day to face off against Scotland.
