Canada women top Mexico, win Four Nations title

Action from the Four Nations Tournament match between Canada (white jersey) and Mexico on January 13, 2015, in Shenzhen, China. (Photo courtesy of Canada Soccer)

SHENZHEN, China – Canada (2-0-0, 6 points) captured the Four Nations Tournament title on Tuesday with a game to spare, defeating Mexico 2-1 at the Shenzhen Bao'an Sports Center.

The victory left the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup host atop the table six points, with Korea Republic (1-0-1, 3 points) in second, followed by China and Mexico (both at 0-1-1, 1 point).  Though the Koreans and Canadians could finish the competition level on six points each after completion of the tournament on Thursday, the Canadians hold the head-to-head tiebreaker thanks to Sunday’s 2-1 win.

After a scoreless first half, Adriana Leon put the Canadians 1-0 in 47th minute.  The 22-year-old launched a shot that goalkeeper attempted to block with her fists, but could not prevent it from finding the back of the net.

Substitute Veronica Charlyn Corral equalized in the 78th minute, beating goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe with a right-footed effort from outside the area.

Two minutes later, Christine Sinclair struck for her 149th international goal, giving Canada a lead that it would never relinquish.

The group finales will be played on Thursday with Mexico meeting Korea Republic and Canada taking on host China.