February 20, 2010
The Canadian men’s national field hockey team defeated France 3-2 Sunday afternoon in the second match of their tour in California.
France took it to Canada from the opening whistle. France dominated both possession and entries into the 25. The Canadian defence held up strong allowing a couple entries into their circle and not allowing any bona fide scoring chances.
As the half wore on Canada earned more ball possession and had a few attacks into the French circle. The stingy French defence held strong limiting any real scoring chances.
France opened the scoring in the 11th minute capitalizing off a Canadian midfield turnover. Poor marking in the circle allowed a French striker to roof the ball over Geoff Houghton.
France doubled their tally in the 24th minute with a well struck tomma hawk from the top of the circle.
Canada was unfortunate not to score when Keegan Pereira crossed the ball in the air to a streaking Philip Wright. Philip was unable to make contact with the ball. He ended up running into the post but was unfazed and continued to play.
The teams went into half time with France up by two.
Canada started the second half with much better possession. They looked dangerous on a number of attacks but were unable to score early in the half.
Adam Froese sent a thunderous backhand into the circle. A lurking Connor Meakin was unable to get a touch on the ball as it blazed into the circle. A heads up play by Connor earned Canada a penalty corner as he took the ball square off his forehead after the keeper misplayed the ball dangerously.
Scott Tupper slotted his first of the game, and second of the tour, beating the French keeper low stick side.
France was awarded a penalty corner in the 60th minute. Geoff Houghton made a terrific save off the drag flick. The ball rebounded past the penalty corner battery and out to Hudson Stewart who was racing back to help his defence. Hudson grabbed the ball and sent it to Nick Hignell at half. Nick relayed the ball to Philip Wright who broke into the circle and found Iain Smyth on the penalty stroke spot. Ian made no mistake in tying the game up.
Keegan Pereira found himself with an almost open cage in the 67th minute. As he struck the ball, a French defender slid in front. The ball went off the defender and it flew inches over the cross bar. Canada was awarded a penalty corner.
Canada completed the comeback when Scott Tupper drag flicked the ball low stick side beating the French keeper.
Congratulations to Nick Hignell who played in his first international game for Canada.
Brendan Bissett
Taylor Curran
Philip Wright
Adam Froese
Keegan Pereira
Richard Hildreth
Ben Martin
Nick Hignell
Geoff Houghton
Kevin Laidman
Ben Martin
Conor Meakin
Mark Pearson
Ian Smythe
Hudson Stewart
Devohn Texeira
Scott Tupper
Jesse Watson
DNP: Antoni Kindler, Gordon Jonston, Elliott Marsh, Devohn Texeira