Despite a strong comeback attempt and two second-half goals by Rockwood, Ontario’s Jessalyn Walkey the Canadian women’s field hockey team was defeated 3-2 by Trinidad & Tobago in the final Pool A game of the Pan American Cup in Bermuda. The loss deals a major blow to Canada’s chances of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.
“Needless to say the Canadians are very disappointed and are hoping to re-group for their (cross-over) match against the Jamaicans,” said Team Canada manager Sheena Scott in an e-mail to FHC. “Our focus is now to finish top 5 – in order to make it to the World Cup Qualifier.”
T&T goalkeeper Petal Derry was strong from the start stopping two early chances from Canada’s Stephanie Nesbitt.
Stacey Siu Butt opened the scoring for the opposition side in the 7th minute after a Canadian turnover.
Canada then found themselves with five penalty corner attempts within an eight minute span but was unable to convert. Another T&T field goal in the 24th minute left the score 2-0 as the teams entered the second half.
Canada finally put the ball in the back of the net in the 45th minute on a penalty corner goal by Walkey.
However the Caribbean nation was awarded a penalty stroke in the 62nd minute which was converted past Canadian goalie Azelia Liu to make the score 3-1.
Another penalty corner goal by Walkey would not be enough as Trinidad & Tobago, ranked 42nd in the world, completed the upset.
The match saw Canadian veteran Stephanie Jameson earn her 100th international cap.
Starting Line Up: C. O’Hara, M. Oliver, S. Jameson, K. Rushton, T. Culley, S. Nesbitt, K.Baker, A.Raye, J. Walkey, D. Roemer, A. Liu
DNP: A. Stone, S. MaCaulay, N. Wise
