Rhian Wilkinson's Official Website

SOCCER MEDIA REPORTS:

CANADA FALLS DOWN UNDER 23rd May 2008 Reuters Photo

From CSA AFF Reports

Canada's National Women's team could not pull Australia back in a 1:2 loss this evening in Sydney, Australia. The Matildas scored two goals in the first half, before Kara Lang got one back for the Canucks early in the second half. The Canucks hit two crossbars thereafter, but could not score the equalizer.

Australia started quickly, with Matildas' captain Cheryl Salisbury testing Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod in the first minute. Australia kept up the pressure, but McLeod was in position for saves in the 9th and 20th minute. In between, she took a hard knock on a challenge by Kaitlin Munoz.

In the 22nd minute, Amy Chapman opened the scoring for the Matildas. Munoz's shot was stopped by McLeod, but Chapman was there for the rebound. Canada countered with some chances and was in deep with several corner kicks. However, the lead was doubled five minutes before the break, when Collette McCallum took a free kick that released Perry down the right and her first time cross, was glanced home by Munoz to make it 2-0 in the 40th minute.

In the second half, Canada breathed life into its offence with the Kara Lang goal, the 30th of her senior international career. Captain Christine Sinclair made the initial threat but was stopped by Australia's Clare Polkinghorne on the line. Lang followed through with the shot for goal.

The goal seemed to lift the Canadians, who came hard at the Australian defence and twice almost had an equaliser with Tancredi and then Sinclair crashing shots against the crossbar.

In the dying minutes, Canada pressed deep with attacks and corner kicks, but Australia were able to hang on. The Canadians just could not get the ball into the net.

Australian coach Tom Sermanni was pleased to get the win and with the performance of his players,“It was a good, hard fought win." The match was a milestone for Kara Lang, who played in her 75th senior international.