In the second of two test matches, the Canadian Women’s National Team earned an impressive 1-1 draw against the England National Team, the third ranked women’s team in the world.
Canada was coming off a one-sided 6-1 loss to England in the first game of the series on Monday and was looking to salvage the split before heading to Wales for three games.
As they did in the first match, Canada got on the board early. Sara McManus (Tsawwassen, B.C.) scored off a penalty corner in the sixteenth minute to give Canada a 1-0 lead.
But unlike Monday’s first half, during which Canada also took the lead early only to have a handful of goals scored by England shortly thereafter, the Canadians were able to hold onto the lead into half time.
In fact, it would take until the final moments of the game in the sixty-ninth minute of the game for England to respond. Team captain Kate Richardson-Walsh scored, also on a penalty corner, to tie the game at one.
“Todays performance was exceptional from one of the youngest in world hockey playing against one of the most experienced and well drilled teams going around,” said Women’s National Team head coach Ian Rutledge. “Structurally we were very sound and our discipline to the small details was first class. The players worked tirelessly for the match from begining to end.”
“The performance should reinforce the process we have been following and will act as a benchmark for future standards.”
Canadian captain Kate Gillis (Kingston, Ont.) played in her 100th international match for Team Canada, joining Abigail Raye (Kelowna, B.C.) who reached 100 caps in Monday’s match.
View the full match sheet here.
Canada will now head to Wales for three test matches, the first of which takes place on May 4 at 10:45amPST/1:45pmEST. For a full schedule click here.
