Canada capitalizes on England mistakes to win women s soccer friendly 2-0
Canada players celebrate their second goal against England during the women s international friendly soccer match between England and Canada at Bet365 stadium in Stoke on Trent, England, Tuesday, April 13, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Rui Vieira April 13, 2021 - 2:57 PM
STOKE-ON-TRENT, United Kingdom - Canada got a pre-Olympic confidence boost Tuesday with a 2-0 win over England in a women s soccer friendly.
Evelyne Viens and Nichelle Prince capitalized on defensive miscues and Canada blunted the England attack the rest of the way for the victory. Canada did it without captain Christine Sinclair, who did not dress after limping off the field in the first half last Friday in a win over Wales.
After Canada’s lacklustre attacking showings in Orlando, it was hard not to feel the absence of a prolific goalscorer like Christine Sinclair. She returned on Friday, but only for about half an hour – ultimately, she wasn’t involved in any of the Canadian goals. If her injury is a longer-term issue, then the attacking performance against Wales is hopefully evidence that the rest of the attacking corps can figure it out.
Learning to play through the middle
The fact that Canada played this game on the narrow pitch at Leckwith Stadium forced them to play more through the middle of the pitch, which was perhaps a useful exercise. Without enough space for the fullbacks and wingers to burn Wales around the outside, Canada focused on building through the likes of Quinn and Jessie Fleming.
Christine Sinclair injured as Canada blanks Wales in U.K. friendly
Canada defeated Wales 3-0, but lost captain Christine Sinclair to an injury in the first half of a soccer friendly Friday.
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The Canadian Press ·
Posted: Apr 09, 2021 2:08 PM ET | Last Updated: April 9
Canada s Christine Sinclair is tended to after being injured during a friendly against Wales on Friday. The veteran was able to leave the field under her own power. (Getty Images)
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