Action from the international friendly between the visiting USA (white jersey) and Canada on November 9, 2017, in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo courtesy of Canada Soccer)
VANCOUVER, Canada – The United States and host Canada battled to a 1-1 draw in the first of a two-match women’s international friendly series on Thursday night in front of a capacity crowd 28,017 at BC Place.
Alex Morgan put the Americans ahead 1-0 lead in the 31st minute with her sixth goal of the year. After exchanged defensive and offensive headers, one from Casey Short fell into the box for Morgan, who – despite being in between four defenders -- snapped a right-footed shot into the left side of the net from 12-yards out.
Eight minutes into the second half, Canada leveled as first-half substitute Adriana Leon tapped in from the doorstep following a sequence that saw Rebecca Quinn first hit the crossbar and Christine Sinclair lift the rebound towards the net.
The U.S. had opportunities to retake the lead, but a Megan Rapinoe shot was kick saved by goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe in the 65th minute and Morgan had a pair of close-range attempts blocked by Janine Beckie in the 76th minute.
Maegan Kelly – on her international debut -- nearly gave Canada the win with six minutes remaining in normal time, only for her right-footed effort to hit the right post after goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher made an initial save.
The sides will meet again on Sunday at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, California.
Women’s International Friendly
November 9, 2017: BC Place – Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Att: 28,017)
Canada-USA 1-1 (0-1)
Adriana Leon 57’ / Alex Morgan 31’
USA: Alyssa Naeher; Kelley O'Hara, Becky Sauerbrunn, Abby Dahlkemper, Casey Short (Taylor Smith 66’), Julie Ertz (Andi Sullivan 74’), Lindsey Horan, Samantha Mewis (Carli Lloyd 65’), Lynn Williams (Allie Long 87’), Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe (Christen Press 66’). Head Coach: Jill Ellis
Canada: Stephanie Labbe; Allysha Chapman, Shelina Zadorsky, Rebecca Quinn, Deanne Rose (Adriana Leon 31’), Ashley Lawrence, Desiree Scott, Christine Sinclair, Nichelle Prince (Maegan Kelly 71’), Janine Beckie (Jordyn Huitema 90’), Jessie Fleming. Head Coach: John Herdman
R: Marianela Araya Cruz (Costa Rica); AR1: Elizabeth Aguilar (El Salvador); AR2: Kimberly Moreira (Costa Rica); 4th: Melissa Perez (Panama)
