Hamilton, ON, Canada
Canada played it’s second Pan Am Games Group B match versus Costa Rica on Wednesday night at CIBC Hamilton Soccer Stadium to 8000 red-clad fans. The Canadians fell short, losing 2-0.
Notably missing from the starting XI for Canada were Ashley Lawrence and Kadeisha Buchanan — both factored into Canada’s World Cup team and are considered strong pieces of the team’s future.
The first half was closely contested, with both sides having quality chances. Canada created chances on breaks and from crosses, benefiting from well delivered long passes and quick break-out plays. Costa Rica relied on quick passing, getting in close several times.
First half stats:
Costa Rica 0-0 Canada
Shots on Goal: 0-1(3)
Corners: 1-1
Free Kicks: 0-0
Offsides: 2-2
Fouls: 2-6
Possession: 51-49
The second half was much like the first: tightly contested with both sides sharing possession — at least for the first 15 minutes. It was Costa Rica who claimed the first goal. From a corner, captain Shirley Cruz went unmarked through the box, heading it past the keeper to put her team up. The lapse from a set piece spoiled an otherwise very well played defensive game from the Canadian side.
With Canada gaining some possession, they looked to capitalize, however it was Costa Rica who scored their second goal. A wonderful through-ball to second half substitute Karia Villalobos saw Costa Rica’s #17 slip it neatly in the far corner past a sprawling Kailen Sheriden (K). Again, Canada’s defence is called into question as Villalobos was sent in with far too much room, and a trailing Victoria Pickett couldn’t close in time.
Canada looked sure to answer back with a beautifully curling shot from their 18-year-old substitute Marie Lavasseur, if not for a tremendous fingertip save by keeper Dinnia Diaz. Much of the last 12 minutes were played in Costa Rica’s half as expected. Canada mounted pressure, again from Lavasseur who looked sure to tally, but her shot hit both the crossbar and far post, staying out and keeping the host nation down two goals. If there is a bright spot for Canada it was the impact Lavasseur had on the game, creating space for herself.
It was too little, too late, and after four minutes of extra time, the final whistle blew with Costa Rica winning, 2-0.
Canada is next in action on Sunday in a match with Brazil, one in which they will likely need a result to move on. Meanwhile, Costa Rica challenges winless Ecuador. A Costa Rican win puts them ahead of Canada with six points.
Group B:
Brazil – 6 points
Canada – 3 points
Costa Rica – 3 points
Ecuador – 0 points
Full-time Stats:
Costa Rica 2-0 Canada
Shots on Goal – 4(6)-3(7)
Offsides – 3-3
Fouls – 5-11
Corners – 3-2
Possession – 48-52
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