National Post (National Edition)
Olympics decisions get even tougher
Beating England speaks to talent on women's team
Bev Priestman was hoping to gain clarity on her roster for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics but if anything, a win against England made things even more difficult for the Canadian women's national soccer team head coach.
Canada did not play its best game against England in Stoke-on-Trent on Tuesday, but did enough to come away with a 2-0 victory, which showcased a number of strong individual performances by younger players battling for a ticket to Japan.
Evelyne Viens and Nichelle Prince both scored on horrible England mistakes to give Priestman the win against her native country and team, where she worked as an assistant. Goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe earned the shutout.
“Firstly, to get a win and a clean sheet (shutout) against England, that's really tough to do,” Priestman said. “I'm delighted with that. When I first got this job it was about scoring more goals, but also about conceding less. That's what I looked at against Tier 1 (opposition).
“That 18 players (roster spots) is really, really difficult, it's a great problem to have as a coach, but I also think it's a great thing for pushing players to be better and no shirt is a given and they know that. It's all about pushing, and pushing, and pushing to take the best 18 players to the Olympics to do Canada proud.”
Olympic rosters allow for only 20 players, which includes two goalkeepers, meaning Priestman, who has been on the job for five games, will have difficult decisions to make in regard to her 18 outfield players.
The game against England was Canada's last scheduled exhibition contest before Tokyo, although it may pick up others along the way prior to the Olympic tournament. Canada defeated Wales 3-0 in the penultimate tune-up this past Friday.
“The team set out exactly what we intended to do in the game plan,” Priestman said. “There were times in the game where they were rattled, it was never perfect, but I said all along with this group, it's never going to be perfect, we're taking on some new ideas and you have people on the pitch that haven't been together for a year.”
Viens, starting against England in place of the injured Christine Sinclair, scored 2½ minutes into the game, capitalizing on a mistake by England defender Demi Stokes in front of her net.
Stokes did well to break up a through ball from Janine Beckie, but inexplicably took it back toward her own net, where Viens was able to knock it away from her into the net past goalkeeper Carley Telford.
After conceding the goal, England settled down and, with most of its players having nearly an entire European season under their belts, looked the sharper side.
Most of Canada's players are just beginning their seasons in North America.
Regardless, Canada defended extremely well with Shelina Zadorsky and Vanessa Gilles anchoring the heart of the back line, while Alysha Chapman and Ashley Lawrence were a force out wide. Despite being put under pressure by England, Canada still had the confidence to try and play the ball out of the back, which is a good sign heading into Japan.
“England has incredible footballers and they took some of that momentum, especially in the second half, they had us pinned in our end a bit,” Zadorsky said. “That happens with Tier 1 opposition, but I think we rode that wave well and we defended well even if they were in possession.
“And then we were still brave on the ball and I think that's what Bev has come in and really implemented, players being brave on the ball. We have technicians on the team, so show what we can do and we do want to play out of pressure.”
Labbe made four saves in the contest as England had 14 attempts on net to Canada's seven, and had 58 per cent of possession as they
18 SPOTS IS
REALLY DIFFICULT. IT'S A GREAT PROBLEM TO HAVE AS A COACH.
were chasing the equalizer. Barring injury, Labbe will be the starting goalkeeper for Canada at the Olympics.
In the second half, Canada brought on speedsters Prince and Jordyn Huitema, which presented problems for England on the counterattack, while Jayde Riviere came on to play right back and was outstanding breaking up crosses destined for the penalty area.
England made a number of substitutions as well, including bringing on goalkeeper Karen Bardsley to play the second half. Bardsley didn't have much work, but made of mess of one of the few times she did touch the ball, which led to Canada's second goal.
With four minutes left in the game, Bardsley took a back pass from Ellen White and stood on the ball too long, allowing Prince to slide in and poke it into the net to put Canada ahead 2-0.
“We want to be beating Tier 1 opposition consistently and I think that's what it takes to be a top team,” Zadorsky said.
“We've done it in patches, but we want to be able to compete and win consistently against quality sides. This is such a good step forward for us, but I think it comes with humility knowing we need to be able to do it back-to-backto-back. The Olympics are around the corner so we have to be able to beat teams like this.”