Canada beats Scotland 3-2 in second of 3-series match

To the delight of everyone present,
including the Canadian National Junior Men’s Team, the skies were clear and
sunny, as the second of the three match series began.  

To Canada’s credit, right from the start
they took control of the game. The forwards and the midfielders were able to
generate a number of turnovers, which did result in numerous circle entries.

By the 11^th minute Matt Guest
was successful in driving the circle and generating a short corner. With the
steady hands of Dave Jameson and Hudson Stewart, the ball was set up perfectly
for Scott Tupper who slotted the ball pass the Scottish Goal Keeper.

The momentum continued for the Canadians
and just over 16 minutes into the game Mark Pearson drove hard into the
Scottish circle and was tripped up resulting in Canada’s second short corner.
This time the Canadian drag flick was stopped by the goalie and while Canada regained
possession in the circle, they were fouled again, and a further short corner
was called. This time the Scottish Keeper was able to make the save.

This short corner stop seemed to settle the
Scots and play became a more balance affair with both teams again trying to
find ways to gain a solid entry into each respective teams circle.

By the 30^th minute the Scots
were able to penetrate deep into the Canadian circle and generate their last
short corner for the half. This time Scottish drag flicker, Daniel Coultas, was
up to the task and unleashed a hard shot to the glove side that found the back
of the net.

The half ended 1 – 1.

The second half started much like the first
half with Canada dominating possession and position on the field.

No more than 2 minutes in the second half
Scott Tupper perfectly placed a pass onto the stick of Keegan Pereira. Pereira
smoothly got past two Scottish defenders and unfurled and reverse stick shot
that hit the back board before most knew the ball was in the goal. As a result,
Canada was now ahead 2 – 1.

By the 40^th minute Canada
successfully re-entered the Scottish circle and obtained another short corner.
This time the pass out was mishandled and the ball was cleared out of the
circle. Not being deterred the Canadians were able to re-enter the circle and
get a shot off at the keeper. The Scottish keeper cleared the ball dangerously
and Canada was awarded another short corner. 
Tupper’s flick unfortunately was high and wide of the mark.

With the Canadians still keeping to the
game plan mapped out by Coach D’Abreo the Canadians continued to put pressure
on the Scots, and in the 48^th minute Canada obtained another short
corner. With a hard low stick side drag flick the Scottish keeper to his stick
hand side and deflected the ball of the end line.

The game progressed with Canada appearing
to still retain control.

In the 59^th minute the Scots
were successful in one of their very few entries into the Canadian’s circle and
got the ball on the foot of Canadian midfielder Dave Jameson.  This time the ball was struck hard to the stick
side of Kindler who was up to the task. The ball however came out and across
the other side of the circle and Michael Christie of Scotland was able to one
time the ball into the net tying the game 2- 2.

The game appeared to being heading to
another tie until the 66^th minute. Just inside the Scot’s circle
Pereira was able to gain possession and approach the glove side of the Scottish
goal. Taking just a few more steps closer to the goal Pereira unleashed a
rising bullet that hit the back of the net before the goalie could move putting
Canada up 3 – 2.

With the Scots unable to mount any kind of
attack the game ended with Canada tying the series one game each.

The last of the three game series will be
played tomorrow, April 25^th at the same complex.

Congratulations to Jesse Watson who earned
his 50^th cap for Canada in this game.

DNP: David Carter