Canada's Cloe Lacasse, right, is pressed by Mexico's Scarlett Camberos during first half International friendly action in Toronto, on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
TORONTO – Canada had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Mexico on Tuesday in a physical finale of a two-game women’s friendly soccer series.
Kadeisha Buchanan opened the scoring for ninth-ranked Canada. Jacqueline Ovalle replied for No. 31 Mexico, which is ranked third in CONCACAF after Canada and the fourth-ranked Americans.
The return leg of the “Summer Send-Off Series” marked the Canadian women’s final game on home soil before heading to Europe to defend their Olympic title at the Paris Games next month.
Canada came into Tuesday’s contest 23-2-3 all-time against Mexico. But this Mexican side showed character in hanging on to earn the tie.
The Canadians blanked Mexico 2-0 on Saturday in Montreal in a game where the home side took its time reaching top gear.
Canada controlled the game from the get-go Tuesday, with the feeling a goal was coming soon. But the final pass often did not match the buildup and it was scoreless at the half despite 62 per cent ball possession. Mexico launched a few counterattacks but lacked teeth in attack.
The Canadians came out with purpose in the second half and the breakthrough came in the 48th minute with Buchanan scoring on a looping header off a Shelina Zadorsky cross.
It was a sixth goal in 149 appearances for the imposing Chelsea centre back.
Mexico replied in the 70th minute with Ovalle, beating Jade Rose and then goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo with an spectacular swerving shot from distance. The tying goal added drama to the final 20 minutes.
Canada appealed for a penalty in the 77th minute when Olivia Smith went down in the box but Costa Rican referee Marianela Cruz was unmoved.
There was a nasty moment late in the game when Mexico’s Karen Luna bodied Jordyn Huitema, who did not have the ball, to the ground in front of the Canadian bench. Luna was booked on the play but deserved to see red.
Coach Bev Priestman made five changes for Tuesday’s rematch with D’Angelo, defender Zadorsky, midfielder Simi Awujo and forwards Cloe Lacasse and Evelyne Viens slotting into the starting 11.
Awujo, a 20-year-old who plays collegiate soccer for USC, took advantage of the start with a physical performance, leaving Mexicans in her wake while showing a keen passing eye. She has surely played her way onto the Olympic roster.
Wingback Jayde Riviere, defender Jade Rose and forward Janine Beckie, all roster certainties, also impressed.
The Montreal lineup was closer to what one would expect at next month’s Paris Olympics. Goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan, defender Vanessa Gilles, midfielder Julia Grosso and forwards Adriana Leon and Olivia Smith dropped to the bench Tuesday.
Sheridan is the team’s No. 1 ‘keeper while Gilles is the linchpin in defence. Leon has become Canada’s top striker, with 40 goals to her name. Grosso has served as captain Jessie Fleming’s midfield partner and Smith is an exceptional 19-year-old talent able to play both midfielder and forward.
But Tuesday’s game was also the last before Priestman names her Olympic squad. So Tuesday’s squad rotation involved offering opportunities to some players.
Awujo, Lacasse and Viens came on in the second half Saturday, with Lacasse scoring in the 86th minute before an announced crowd of 15,319. Leon opened the scoring the 73rd minute at Stade Saputo.
Canada has until July 3 to name its 18-player roster plus four alternates. Priestman has said she expects to announce her roster by the end of June, so everyone knows what’s what when the team heads to Europe where it is expected to play its final warm-ups during the July 8-16 FIFA international window just before the Olympic tournament.
Tuesday’s game drew an enthusiastic announced crowd of 18,805, which included a small but loud Mexican contingent, on a warm night at BMO Field.
Huitema and Leon came on to start the second half. Gabbie Carle, Emma Regan, Smith and Desiree Scott followed off the bench.
The Canadian women open defence of their Olympic title on July 25 against No. 26 New Zealand in Saint-Etienne before completing Group A play against No. 5 France on July 28 in Saint-Etienne and No. 25 Colombia on July 31 in Nice.
Priestman is waiting on the health of some players with midfielder Quinn (knee) and defender/wingback Sydney Collins (fractured ankle) not at this camp.
Tuesday’s game was designated as a Pride Match with the Canadian players wearing a special kit with Pride-themed numbers that were not that special when it came to reading them from distance. Zadorsky, meanwhile, was honoured before the game on the occasion of her 100th cap.
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 4, 2024.
