Canada opened Pool B play with a 9-0 victory over a young Brazil side and more importantly it was a special moment for Canadian skipper Kate Wright. The speedy forward becomes the highest capped Canadian women’s player in history with 169 internationals surpassing long-time defender Stephanie Jameson. 

Brazil was on their heels immediately as keeper Teska Tuijt faced an early penalty corner flick in the second minute of play. Karli Johansen practice has paid off as the defender’s flick rang off the left post and the inside of the right post before crossing the line for Canada’s opening goal. Moments later a hard ball in from the left side rebounded off the Brazilian defence and Stephanie Norlander was there to one-time the loose ball for a 2-0 Canadian advantage.

Brazil defender Anna de Almeida did well to stymie Canada’s next penalty corner chance, even springing a counter-attack but her team was unable to generate anything at the other end of the pitch. Canada extended their lead to 3-0 in the second quarter as Norlander pocketed her second in almost the exact fashion of her first goal, burying a rebound from close range. Johansen took a cue from Norlander’s repeat goal and capitalized on a penalty corner flick on in the 27^th minute. Brazil’s Luciana Peralta denied a fifth Canadian goal from Brienne after the defender saved one in the air on the line. Canada’s Alison Lee sailed a penalty stroke over the net before the half-time buzzer but Canada regrouped quickly and Nikki Woodcroft turned and blasted one in for a 5-0 lead at half time.

Brazil kept Canada off the board in the third quarter, largely due to the defensive strengths of Karolina Sluis. Canada wasted no time in the fourth though as Shanlee Johnston calmly finished on her back-hand after some crafty skills from Stairs set her up for a 6-0 lead. Wright made today’s milestone even more special firing in a rebound on a penalty corner for the team’s seventh goal. Sara McManus and Woodcroft each got on the board late in the game for a final score of 9-0.  

Women’s pool-play matches continue on Aug. 7 with Mexico vs. Brazil (12:00), Uruguay vs. Argentina (17:00) and Canada vs. USA (19:00). Men’s round-robin play continues tomorrow, Aug. 6, with Brazil vs. Canada (10:00), Trinidad and Tobago vs. Mexico (12:00), Chile vs. Argentina (17:00) and USA vs Venezuela (19:00). All matches are streamed live via USA Field Hockey here and you can stay connected on facebook, Instagram and twitter @panamhockey or online at panamhockey.org.