Canada defeats Switzerland

After playing below par three days ago, Canada bounces back to get the win versus Switzerland today. 


The game started off poorly for Canada as Switzerland's Ana Maria Crnogorcevic puts her side up 1 nil eight minutes in. Ramona Bachmann played the ball to Lara Dickenmann who took it down the left flank then crossed it to Crnogorcevic who knocked it in on a first touch. 


In the 31st minute, Swiss captain Caroline Abbé scored on her own net to give Canada the equalizer. Kaylyn Kyle gave the ball to Christine Sinclair who hit the ball across the face of the net and bounced off Abbé. 


"Matheson was taken down, so maybe they were thinking a penalty was going to be called," said Sinclair. "I just crossed it and it went off (Abbé)".


Going into the second half, Kaylyn Kyle was subbed out for Kelly Parker, making her first appearance for Canada after injuring her foot in training. Last time she played for the red and white was September 15th, 2010. 


Soon after, Canada took the lead on a great team effort. Schmidt gained possession then passed it wide to Marie-Eve Nault who then played it to Diana Matheson. Diana dibbled down the center of the pitch giving it to Sinclair who received the ball with her back facing the goal. Sinclair quickly played a through ball to Parker who cut towards the goal and played a square ball to Christina Julien for the easy tap in.  


In the 62nd minute Desiree Scott came in for Julien. A minute after, midfielder Marie-Eve Nault is replaced by Chelsea Stewart.


More subs for Canada as Brittany Timko makes her way on the pitch for Jonelle Filigno(68') up front and Robyn Gayle comes in for Rhian Wilkinson(72') on the backline. Both Rhian and Britt made their 98th appearance for Canada this evening. 


Finally, Carolina Morace used her sixth and final sub replacing Sophie Schmidt with Carmelina Moscato in the 81st minute. 


Canada created some more opportunities before the final whistle but could not capitalize. In the 84th minute, Emily Zurrer's goal was called back because she was offside. 


"We could have easily scored five goals," said Sinclair of the team's performance. "We're definitely showing signs of improvement which is all we're looking for heading into the FIFA Women's World Cup."


With the win, Canada improves their 2011 record to 7-1-2. Canada is expected to play in a few more friendlies leading up to the World Cup. Stay tuned for more details. 




SUI starting XI: 
                                                           Marisa Brunner
                        Selina Kuster, Rahel Graf, Caroline Abbé, Sandra Betschart
                                 Lara Dickenmann, Jehona Mehmeti, Marina Keller
                        Ramona Bachmann, Ana Maria Crnogorcevic, Martina Moser


Subs: Isabelle Meyer for Betschart (57'), Lara Keller for Bachmann (67'), Vanessa Bernauer for Mehmeti (72'), Vanessa Pittet for Keller (79'). 


CAN starting XI:
                                                          Karina LeBlanc
                    Marie-Eve Nault, Emily Zurrer, Cance Chapman, Rhian Wilkinson
                       Sophie Schmidt, Diana Matheson, Jonelle Filigno, Kaylyn Kyle
                                            Christina Julien, ChristineSinclair


In other news: Canada will host CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Vancouver B.C is the lucky city to host all games at the newly built BC Place. The tournament will run from January 19-29, 2012. Canada and seven continental opponents will compete for two berths to the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England.