Canadian women squeeze by Chile 1-0
August 3, 2010
Canada won the second game of their series against the Chilean women by a slim margin of one goal. They now lead the series against the South Americans with two victories.
The match started fairly equal for a while. Canada had to concede a penalty-stroke on a Chilean circle penetration, but the shot was weak and easily handled by Azelia LIU in the Canadian goal. She was again called into action soon after on a high shot.
The rest of the period was mostly a midfield battle, both teams offering an excellent display of passes but without generating much danger at either end.
The same pattern prevailed at the beginning of second period, for an entertaining game but still without any goal. Canada thought that they would take the lead on a penalty-corner: the option found Kate GILLIS open on the post but she could not redirect the ball in goal.
Chile survived playing short for a few minutes, despite some intense pressure from Canada led by Stephanie NISBETT, very active in the circle. The Canadian finally open the scoring on the penalty-corner in the 57th minute, Diana ROEMER slotting a superb direct flick in the top right corner of the goal.
Chile reacted immediately and Azelia LIU had to clear the ball in a series of confused situations in front of her goal to prevent an equalizer. Canada nevertheless showed good composure under pressure and finished strongly. The final chance of the game was for Stephanie NISBETT after a decisive run by Robyn PENDLETON, but her instant shot was well deflected by Catalina CABACH in the Chilean goal.
Canadian Coach Louis MENDONCA was not totally satisfied with the Canadian performance. “Our basics let us down today. We were not as sharp as in the previous game and offered them some turn-overs. Nevertheless, it was a gutsy performance to get the win. It is a good sign to still manage to win when you are not playing your best hockey”.
Canada: Kate Gillis, Katie Collison, Ali Lee, Marian Dickinson, Stephanie Jameson, Thea Culley, Stephanie Nesbitt, Katie Baker, Abigail Raye, Diana Roemer, Robyn Pendleton, Tyla Flexman, Samatha Smith, Kristine Wishart, Anna Kozniuk, Azelia Liu (GK)
Goals:
57mn CAN Diane ROEMER (PC)
