Only a day after a stunning 10-0 victory over Argentina to open the tournament, the Canadian women’s indoor national team was back on the court for its second game of the 2014 Indoor Pan American Cup.
Canada (1-1-0) battled their cross-border rival, the United States (1-1-0), Tuesday and came out with a 0-0 tie.
The two rivals, who recently competed in a three-game series in Toronto in March (in which the United States won two of three games) provided a full crowd in Montevideo, Uruguay with a competitive and action packed game.
The first few minutes of the game were very even and controlled but a penalty corner by Canada began to tilt the play in the Canadians’ favour. Canada had convincing shots in the first half but was unable to capitalize.
United States goalkeeper Maria Keesling held the Canadians at bay in the first half, while her teammates threw in a few chances of their own on Canadian keeper Kathryn Williams (Burlinton, Ont.).
With two minutes to go in the half, Williams was forced to make a quick reaction save with her toe to keep the U.S. off the board.
At the end of the first half the score remained 0-0.
The second half featured much the same with the teams trading chances. And Williams continued her strong play in goal for Canada. A U.S. penalty corner in the twenty-fifth minute forced Williams to make a diving stick save, much to the delight of the packed gymnasium.
Canada responded with a chance off a penalty corner of their own, but goalkeeper Ashley Dalisera, who came on in relief of Keesling, made a point blank save.
Led by Madison Thompson (Waterloo, Ont.), who scored twice in the tournament opener versus Argentina, Canada packed on the heat in the last five minutes, throwing a number of close shots at Dalisera but again was unable to net a goal.
The final score was 0-0. View the match sheet here.
Canada remains unbeaten after two games and will take on host Uruguay, Wednesday at 6:00pm PST/9:00pm EST.
Watch the live stream by clicking here.
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Written with files from Carla Johl
Photo: Blair Shier
