June 11, 2017 (Toronto, ON) - Canada’s Women National Team hosted Costa Rica for a friendly game at BMO Field in Toronto. Canada won the game 6-0 including a hat trick from Janine Beckie.
Canada WNT vs Costa Rica | Soccer | Toronto Sports Photographer
Canada vs Belize | 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Qualifying | Toronto Sports Photography
September 4, 2015 (TORONTO, ON) - Canada hosted Belize in the first of a home and away series in CONCACAF's third round of qualifiers for 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.
The match was preceded by a special award presentation to Dwayne De Rosario, Team Canada's all time highest goal scorer.
From the starting whistle, Canada dictated the play and Belize struggled to make cohesive passes. Although Canada dominated possession early in the match, there were very few attacking opportunities.
Canada's rhythm was briefly interrupted in the 14th minute when captain Julian De Guzman called for medical attention and was substituted out for Samuel Piette.
Canada continued where they left off until one of their collaborative efforts from the wing paid off in the 25th minute. Issey Nakajima-Farran made a backheel pass to Marcel De Jong who crossed the ball into the six yard box. Belize keeper Woodrow West made two close range saves until Tosaint Ricketts managed to kick in the loose ball near the goal line.
The second half saw Canada continue to dictate the game until another play from the wing earned a second goal. Nik Ledgerwood crossed the ball and although a diving Wil Johnson did not connect, Tosiant Ricketts expertly tapped in his second goal of the night.
As the game was winding down in extra time, another effort saw Canada add a third goal to the tally. Following a corner kick, Russel Teibert made an excellent pass that evaded two defenders and the goalkeeper for Atiba Hutchinson to find the back of the net.
Following the match, Benito Floro focused on the positives, pointing out that Belize had no shots on net and a respectable three goals were scored by his team.
Team Canada is feeling confident for the return leg in Belize on Tuesday, September 8 where Belize will need to win by at least four goals to advance.
Canadian Women's National Team | 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup
Here is a #CANADARED promotional video that was created using photos from Canada WNT's recent training om Toronto, Canada WNT vs. Nigeria and Canada WNT vs. England matches.
Canada WNT vs England
The Canadian women's national team faced off against England in an exhibition match in front of 23,000 fans at Tim Horton's field in Hamilton, Ontario. This marked Canada's last exhibition match before the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup Canada kicks off on June 6.
England, ranked 6th in the world has topped Canada in their last 3 encounters, most notably in the 2015 Cyprus Cup final where England won by a 1-0 score line. In addition to retribution, Canada was seeking to start their World Cup campaign on a high note.
Although Canada set the tone for a fast paced and aggressive game, England had the initial opportunities on goal but Canadian netminder Erin McLeod was quick to make the timely saves.
Canada continued to battle for 50-50 balls to overwhelm and suffocate the English midfield. The strategy worked as Sophie Schmidt's wonder strike off a quick pass from Josee Belanger surprised English keeper Karen Bardsley as the ball flew into the top corner in the 23rd minute.
England attempted to even the score but Canada was too quick in their defense and counterattack, allowing only one opportunity in the 87th minute that rattled off the Canadian crossbar.
Canada next faces China in their first group game at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup Canada on June 6 in Edmonton, Alberta.
The World Cup tournament is being hosted by Canada in Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montreal and Moncton between June 6 and July 5. Tickets are still available for purchase.
Links:
Tickets FIFA Women's World Cup 2015: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/FIFA-Womens-World-Cup-Canada-2015-tickets/artist/875503
FIFA Women's World Cup 2015: http://www.fifa.com/womensworldcup/index.html
Canada Soccer: http://www.canadasoccer.com
Originally published on Hispanos en Canada.
