An action packed third game of the four game test series between the Canadian Women’s Field Hockey Team and Ireland resulted in the visitors taking a 2-1 series lead after the Irish defeated the host Canadians 3-1 Tuesday at the new Pan Am Fields in Toronto.
The two evenly matched teams began play the trading chances, but neither was able to convert early.
Late in the first quarter, it was the visitors Chloe Brown netting the game’s first goal as she beat Canadian goalkeeper Kaitlyn Williams in the thirteenth minute.
Canada equalized before the quarter was out as Stephanie Norlander scored off a great Canadian rush in the dying moments.
Ireland pressed late in the second quarter but three penalty corners in a row were turned away by Canada’s defense and after a scoreless second quarter the game was tied at the half.
In the early goings of the second half, Norlander haad a chance to net her second of the match but narrowly missed. The pressure continued as Thea Culley had a chance of her own, but Ireland was able to thwart the offensive foray and the game remained tied.
After a penalty corner was once again stopped by the Canadian, thanks to a strong defensive stand by Maddie Secco, Ireland was able to convert in the forty-second minute on a goal from Anna O’Flanagan.
In the fourth quarter, Irish captain added another on a penalty corner, giving the visitors a two goal lead.
Canada’s chance to tie came with just over a minute remaining in match on a penalty corner, but this time it was the Irish defender who were unpenetrable. The lead was preseverd and Ireland took the match 3-1, earning it’s second win of the the four game series.
The final match of the series will take place on Wednesday at 6pm/ET at the Pan Am fields in Toronto.
