After a nervous and tentative first half performance in Game 1 yesterday against Argentina, the young Canadian Team were focused on imparting their mark on this tournament.
The Canadians did not disappoint putting together a near complete performance to dominate the Chinese team in every aspect other then the final score, creating 16 chances on net compared to China’s seven.
After a well contested first half, both teams went to the half time break tied at zero. China managed to open the scoring just after the break with a well executed penalty corner. The Canadian team showed great resilience bouncing back and were rewarded after seven minutes of constant attacking pressure with Caashia Karringten converting a deflection off a of a Hannah Haughn corner strike.
Spurred on by the Red & White Army in the stands with cow bells ringing, Canada continued to push forward aggressively and played some very mature and composed hockey that was highlighted by intelligent yet relentless attack that generated another four penalty corners and three field goal shots. On defence the team was relentless, closing down China high in the Canadian attacking area. Canada could not find the elusive second goal and take the lead despite the number of genuine chances.
Heart break followed. With 90 seconds left to play and against the run of play China were gifted a controversial penalty corner, which was brilliantly converted by Chinese drag flicking specialist Bing Feng Gu, dragging low to the bottom left past a diving and outstretched and inform Lauren Logush.
The game was not over there. Canada showed great urgency and character to push forward in the last forty seconds to barrage the Chinese circle.
Off the back off composed possession under pressure, the young Canadians, generated their final chance of the game, moving the ball around the Chinese defensive circle. Natalie Sourisseau found Hannah Haughn who played the ball onto Maddie Secco who drove the ball to goal forcing the Chinese keeper to make a desperate save past an outstretched Karringten.
At the back, Karli Johansen and Sara McManus outletted with precision and control and where well supported by Amanda Woodcroft, Kathleen Leahy and Sydney Veljacic on the outside. The back group defended with tenacity and stifled the Chinese attack only allowing three field shots at goal.
The midfield lead by Sourisseau, Secco, Carolina Romeo, Rachel Donohue and Ashley Kristen, worked tirelessly and with intelligence generating opportunities upfront for their strikers.
The strikers pressed with great urgency and tenacity straggling the Chinese backfield. On attack, structurally the Canadian team stretched the itch and opened up chances for themselves and the team through the effort of Haughn, Karringten, Holly Stewart, Jessica Buttinger, Stepahnie Norlander and Priya Randhawa.
“Against a world hockey power the girls showed composure and character beyond their years to generate a powerful performance all over the pitch. Our possession was exceptional which allowed us to generate a mountain of chances. Our defensive intensity and and desire to compete was top class. The final result was heartbreaking for the players on many levels, but mainly due to the lack of reward for a near complete performance,” stated head coach, Ian Rutledge.
“The girls are performing at a level that will serve them well. With continued application and patience, the results will come.” Rutledge continued.
The team will now enjoy a rest day before regrouping for their final pool match against an unbeaten South Africa.
“We are looking forward to the South African match against a team that has played some very good hockey so far this tournament.”
Pictures the game can be found here.
Canada plays South Africa in their final pool game July 30 at 5am PST.
