Canadians defeat Chile 3-0 in Game 2

April 4, 2011

Looking to re-group from Game 1’s loss to Chile (2-3), Canada was fired up, mentally prepared and ready to go! They did not dissapoint in Game 2, with a stellar 3-0 win that saw the red team controlling not only the tempo of the game but also the posession and attack. Testing out the waters for awhile, goal #1 took a great run by forward, Jess Walkey, in the 25th minute to drive the ball in hard to the circle drawing a Chilean defender and goalie out. The ball hit the goalie and a rebound was left waiting for a speedy Kate Gillis to pick up. Pocketing her second of the series, Gillis calmly took the ball to her left and hit a well placed reversed stick shot above a diving Chilean defender. Sealing the goal with a great fist pump and celebration, Gillis and her teammates did not back off. The Canadians continued to dominate the first half, including Jess Walkey hitting a post in free play and Katie Baker narrowly missing the goal on a penalty corner.

Much of the same intensity continued throughout the second half. Led by defenders, Sam Smith and Steph Jameson, the backfield remained composed throughout the few Chilean penalty corners and also continued to outlet the ball strongly. Gillis was able to put her second goal of the game and third of the series away on a great Canadian rush into the circle. Jessalyn Walkey was able to freeze two defenders and find a leading Danielle Hennig in the circle. Hennig, with great vision, found Kate Gillis, unmarked at the penalty spot, who took one touch and then flicked the ball hard and high past the goal keeper’s right shoulder. The goal was an outstanding example of how hard Gillis and the forwards have been working on their receptions and capitalizing in the circle. In the 56th minute, Canada was awarded a penalty corner and Krissy Wishart, of Ontario, was able to pick up a rebound off a Katie Baker straight strike on net. Wishart, picking up the ball on her reverse stick, flipped the ball toward the open net for what would be her first international goal!!

The team concluded the evening with a final 3-0 win over Chile. Although they were successful on the scoreboard, the team continues to prepare and build, as Game 3 is a quick turnover. After the team meeting, the girls were able to celebrate Krissy Wishart’s first goal by a fairly new tradition of presenting her with the game ball. As well, new staff members, Katie Henhawk and Dr. Sean Richardson, were also honoured and asked to sign the Canadian Flag that all athletes and staff sign. The flag is hung behind the team bench at every single international game and goes back several years!

The team will look to build on today’s win and continue moving forward for the remaining three games. Canada will face Chile at 9AM (EST). Stay tuned for more!

Starting Line-up: A. Liu, A. Raye, S. Jameson, S. Smith, D. Roemer, K. Wishart, T. Flexman, K. Baker, T. Culley, J. Walkey, K. Gillis

Substitutions: K. Collison, M. Dickinson, D. Hennig, S. McManus

DNP: M. Weber, K. Williams

Keep up to date by following fieldhockeycan on twitter and see the Team’s posts under #FHCanW