Monterrey, Mexico – The second match of round 2 of Group B in the Concacaf W Championship in Monterrey, played in the Estadio Universitario, saw Canada earn a 1-0 victory against Panama.
With this result, Canada have qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia/New Zeland, as have Costa Rica, who have secured at worst the second spot in Group B.
The action started in the 15’ when Adriana Leon took the first shot of the night for Canada, however, Yenith Bailey, the GK star of Panama, blocked Leon’s shot.
In the 20’, captain Laurie Batista tried to score the first goal for Panama in this CWC from long distance, but her shot went over the crossbar. Again, in the 25’, Bailey stepped up for Las Canaleras, blocking a shot from Janine Beckie, helping her team stay in the game.
The always present Leon in the 42’ then sent a pass to Nichelle Prince, but she sent it over the crossbar, keeping the game scoreless at the break.
The Panama defensive line plan worked, as they held the Canada attack in check through the hour mark, but the Canadian breakthrough would finally come in the 63’.
Julia Grosso, assisted by Janine Beackie, opened the goal count by faking a shot, then darting past a Panama defender before sending the ball to the back of the net.
Las Canaleras didn’t quit trying to find a goal, though, and in the 80’, Rosario Vargas took a chance and shot from long distance, but it went over the crossbar.
In the end, Grosso’s goal was proved to be the lone score, winning the match for Canada and booking their World Cup berth.
Canada will close the group against fellow World Cup qualifiers Costa Rica, while Panama will try to bounce back and reach the playoff stage in their match against Trinidad & Tobago.
