Rhian Wilkinson's Official Website

TEAM CANADA:

South Korea Peace Queen Cup

30th October 2006 MATCH DAY VS SOUTH KOREA

Well, we won the game 3-1 after a hard fought battle against a good South Korean team. We had seen them play on videotape and also saw a little live action when they played against Brazil. We thought they might be a little robotic in their play - lacking spark, but we were wrong.

The Korean Red Devils played very well against us and we had to be at our very best today to get the three points and the win. All three Canadian goals were scored by Sincy. She is absolutely tearing up this tournament. Her first was scored off a pass from me on the right flank that she coolly side footed home.

The second was a great play by Martina who got the ball at the top of the 18 on the left hand side of the field, fought off a couple of Korean players, and slipped the ball to Sincy who placed the ball perfectly in the lower right hand side of the net.

I would love to explain what happened on the third goal, but even though I was right there, I haven't got a clue. Basically the ball was sent in by Brit and Sincy did some sort of split-like lunge and the next thing I knew the ball was in the net.

Everyone played well today, but I should mention Erin McLeod who pulled off some great saves. The goal that was scored against us was an absolute rocket, that no goalie on earth could have stopped. Erin got a hand to it, but cold only manage to push the ball onto the post and it rolled in. She came up with a huge save on a breakaway. The Korean attacker ended up being offside, but when your goalie pulls off a save like that, it is always great for morale.

We used almost all our subs and each and every one of them came on and made a difference. When substitutions are made you are looking for that extra spark that they can bring to the game and they all did that. Knowing that we are a deep team and that each and every member of the Canadian squad here in Korea is capable of coming on and kicking butt, is a fantastic feeling.

A good friend of came to the game today to cheer me on. Just a quick note at the end here to thank Randy for showing up and making the long trek out to Masan to support us. There weren't too many Canadian fans in the stadium today, so we appreciated all the support we received. In fact, it was so quiet in the stadium after we scored our goals that each time we thought the goal might have been called back for some reason- strange.

Everyone is quite sore and tired tonight, and looking forward to getting a nice day off tomorrow. The strains of tournament play are starting to take their toll. At least most of us get a day off. Unfortunately, Robyn and Brit leave early tomorrow to return to school. Both have played really well and we will miss them. Robyn will be spending her 21st birthday tomorrow on the flight, it will be one loooooooooooooooooooong birthday for her. For the rest of you - HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

Lineup:
G: McLeod
D: Kiss, Gayle, Hermus, Booth
M: Matheson, Walsh, Timko
F: Wilkinson, Franko, Sinclair

Goals:
Sinclair x3

Game Highlights:
23' Sinclair scores, Wilkinson assist
25' Korean goal off free kick
39' Kiss with YC
45' Chapman in for Kiss
49' Sinclair goal, Franko assist
69' Sinclair goal, Timko assist
76' Schmidt in for Walsh
78' Robinson in for Gayle (JAR goes upfront, Franko drops back)
84' Neil in for Timko
86' Morneau in for Wilkinson (Izzy plays upfront)
87' Andrews in for Hermus