August 4, 2010
The Canadian Women squeaked out another win against the Chileans in their third game of the four game test series. They are now leading the series 3-0.
The first half was fairly even, with both teams having some good ball control. The first opportunity of the match went to the Canadian’s when they were awarded a penalty corner at the 15th minute mark. Unfortunately a direct shot by Stephanie JAMESON just went wide of the net.
The best scoring opportunity of the game came 25 minutes into the first half, when Robyn PENDLETON gathered the ball at the top of the circle and had a nice, hard direct shot on net, with the rebound going to a diving Dani HENNIG, who unfortunately couldn’t connect. A few minutes later, Canadian keeper Azelia LIU was called upon to make good save, thus allowing both teams to end the half with a score of 0-0.
Chile’s first penalty corner of the game was awarded at the 38-minute mark – they had an excellent opportunity, however, they shot the ball wide of the Canadian’s net.
The Chilean’s seemed to come alive a bit after their penalty corner, and Canadian keeper Azelia LIU was called upon once again to make two very good saves in a flurry of activity that occurred in front of the Canadian net.
With 10 minutes left in the game, Canada put together some really nice passing sequences, which allowed them to pressure the Chilean defence. They were nearly awarded a goal when Katie Baker made an excellent pass to an open Sara McManus at the top of the circle, whose shot was deflected just high and over the net.
Canada continued to pressure and were rewarded a goal 6 minutes later when Kate GILLIS intercepted the ball in her defending end and started a sequence of great passes. First to Abi RAYE, who then passed inside to the top of the circle to Tyla FLEXMAN, who made a great little pass to Stephanie NESBITT , who had a great, low, hard shot that beat the Chilean keeper.
The Chilean’s made it exciting by creating two penalty corners with no time left on the clock. A. LIU, once again made a couple of good saves, and the game ended with the Canadian’s beating Chile by a score of 1-0.
When asked about his team’s performance, coach Louis Mendonca had this to say.
“We played well defensively today, but are still struggling to find a flow in the attacking third. It is imperative that we get this going in the right direction before our next competition”
Congratulations to Sara McManus who played her first international game.
Starting line up: K. Gillis, A. Lee, S. Jameson, S, Nesbitt, K. Baker, A. Raye, D. Roemer, R. Pendleton, T. Flexman, A, Kozniuk, A. Liu.
Substitutes: S. McManus, D. Hennig, C. Poland, T. Culley, K. Wishart