Favourite Links:

 

TEAM CANADA:

Canada Scores 1 - 0 Victory Over the Netherlands

March 1, 2006

Canada’s Women’s National Team defeated the Netherlands 1:0 on Wednesday, March 1, 2006 with a late goal scored by Andrea Neil in front of 3,162 spectators at Thunderbird Stadium in Vancouver, BC.

With Canada in white and the Netherlands in orange, both teams looked to end the stalemate of two previous 1:1 draws.

Christine Sinclair created Canada’s first of many opportunities in minute 16 as she worked up the left side past two Dutch defenders and sent a left footed shot just wide of the net.

Shirley Smith of the Netherlands had a chance for the visiting team three minutes later with a shot towards the Canadian net from the left side. Canadian keeper Karina LeBlanc calmly dove to seize the ball before crossing the goal line.

In the 41st minute, Manon Melis looked dangerous for Holland as she approached up the right side before three Canadian defenders intercepted and shut down her attack within 10 yards of the net.

Canada’s next opportunity came in the last minute of the half when Amy Walsh found Charmaine Hooper yards away from the Dutch net. Hooper then spun and sent the ball into the hands of the awaiting goalkeeper Marleen Wissink.

Canada came out strong three minutes into the second half as Sophie Schmidt located at the top of the penalty area thrust the ball just over the crossbar.

In the 74th minute, Kara Lang propelled a 30-yard free kick which Wissink punched out of play.

It was Neil in the 85th minute who gave her hometown fans something to cheer about, as she headed the ball into the net during a goal mouth scramble following a Rhian Wilkinson corner. The Canadian veteran has now assembled 22 goals in 110 appearances for Canada.

At the final whistle, Canada had outshot the visiting team 10-3.

“It was an interesting game,” stated Canadian head coach Even Pellerud. “There were two different philosophies to the match.”

“Holland surprisingly played a pretty complicated passing game.”

“We were able to punish them several times and we should have scored earlier. We worked hard, and played a consistent game with good shape. It was a well earned victory and a great start to the 2006 season.”

Both teams will travel on Thursday to Victoria, BC for the second match of the double header on Saturday, March 4th at 1:00 pm PT. Rogers Sportsnet will broadcast the match live on all channels.

Goals: Canada – Neil (85)

Canada: 1-LeBlanc, Karina; 2-Latham, Christine; 3-Schmidt, Sophie; 7-Morneau, Isabelle (5-Neil, Andrea, 68); 8-Matheson, Diana (14-Wilkinson, Rhian, 83); 9-Franko, Martina; 10-Hooper, Charmaine (16-Thorlakson, Katie, 68); 11-Hermus, Randee; 12-Sinclair, Christine; 13-Walsh, Amy; 17-Timko, Brittany (15-Kara Lang, 45); Head Coach: Even Pellerud Subs not used: 4-Andrews, Sasha; 22-McLeod, Erin

Based on CSA Report.