Canada vs. USA

The third match of the day featured another big rivalry, this time North American neighbours Canada and USA. The two also fighting for top spot in the Pool B.

The game began with USA the more energetic, pressing with 3 or 4 players. Canada managed well, using aerial passes from Dearmond into spaces behind the high press. This helped create room for them to pass the ball to stick to stick. On 10 minutes USA created the first clear chance when a left side solo run by Sophia Tornetta led to a cross that Paolino just failed to get a touch on. Goodman and Angus kept good composure to break the high press and lead to Canada’s first dangerous moment, but USA’s Helgeson tackled well to keep Randhawah out. Canada earned a PC corner in the 16^th minute, but the injection was missed the tower top circle and from the resulting in a pass from Woods to Major for a simple tap in. In the very next minute Canada earned a side line restart in the American 25-yard area and a pass went to Pereira, who slipped it to Faiczak who took a shot destined to miss the far post when captain Woodcroft turned up to deflect in for the equaliser. The teams then fought a midfield battle in which neither team able to break down the other. USA looked more threatening, earning a couple PCs, but were unable to convert. In the 33^rd minute, Major deflected a shot past Logush to regain USA’s lead. The halftime score was 2-1, with all still to play for.

The second half started off with a lot of passing errors and neither team able to gain control of the match. USA settled down first and created a PC in the 39^th minute. Hoffman’s flick went in off of Logush’s pads as the GK seemed to anticipate a wider shot. The goal seemed to take the fight out of Canada while energising the Americans to push to kill off the game. Paolino, Caro and Moyer found a lot of room to work, but Canada defended deep and with skill. Eventually the American pressure paid off when Caro’s shot was deflected past the GK by defender Dearmond for a 4-1 lead in the 56^th minute. USA continued to push Canada back, with few clear chances. As the Canadians got tired mistakes crept into their defending the Americans started to exploit gaps appearing behind the wingbacks. In the 66^th minute Vittese got free in the circle and her shot went in to complete USA’s dominance over their North American rivals, who for the first 35 minutes of the game threatened to upset the distance in rankings between the teams. The final horn signalled the end of another convincing USA win, this time by a 5-1 score line.