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TEAM CANADA:

CANADA SQUEAKS PAST UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS JAYHAWKS 1 - 0.

April 13, 2006

The Canadian National team scored the lone goal of the match on a penalty kick to defeat the University of Kansas Jayhawks, 1-0, in spring soccer action Thursday at Hummer Sports Park in Topeka, Kan.

In the intense 115 F heat (somewhere around 36 degrees Celsius, and with energy levels flagging on this intense tour across the mid West, the Canadians opted to play a very low pressure game. The idea was to let the other team advance till just below the center circle, and then overwhelm them with pressure within the Canadian half. This is not the usual Canadian style of play, but the team needs to be able to learn different tactical systems. The result is meant to involve less running, but Canada took some time to adapt to the new system.

Canada was unlucky not to earn a penalty shot in the first half, when Christine Latham was brought down after a long run out from defence. Even though the Jayhawks also came close to scoring a few times, the Canadian defense did play admirably in the extreme heat. The match was a real test for the back four, and even though they were under a lot of stress, they did well with the new system once they had found a rhythm.

The starting line- up was Karina Leblanc in nets with Mel Booth, Christine Latham, Sharolta Nonen and Martina in defense. In midfield were Brittany Timko, Amy Walsh and Andy, with Christine Sinclair, Charmaine Hooper and Kara Lang in attack.

Fifteen minutes into the second half Canada made a substitution when Rhian Wilkinson substituted for Brittany Timko. This was also a signal for the system to change back to high pressure. The game immediately changed gear, as the Canadians returned to their more familiar direct and abrasive style of play. However, even though Canada penned the Jayhawks into their own end for most of the half, Canada just could not seem to put the ball into the net.

Finally, Mel Booth was brought down in the penalty box, and the Canadians were awarded a penalty kick. Christine Sinclair made no mistake with her well-placed shot. After playing four matches in its grueling five-match tour of NCAA teams, the scores have ranged from 9-0 against the University of Louisville, 2-0 against the University of Missouri, 6-2 against Purdue, and the closest yet, 1-0 against the University of Kansas. Next up is Nebraska.