The Canadian women’s national team got off to a winning, if imperfect, start to World Cup qualifying, capping off a day full of goals at the Concacaf Women’s Championship.
Canada’s opening match of the tournament came against Carribean champion Jamaica, and a Nichelle Prince brace led the Canadians to a 2-0 victory. It was the second match at H-E-B Park in Edinburg, Texas, Friday as Group B action got underway. Earlier, Costa Rica kicked off the day with a dominant display, beating Cuba 8-0.
The clear favorite to win the match and the group, Canada started the night with plenty of ventures into the attacking third, but not much to show for it. The match itself lacked energy through long stretches, particularly in the first half. The Jamaican defense managed to hold its own as Canada continued to move the ball forward, but the Canadian attack was not having a particularly clinical night. Shots, via set pieces and open play, found themselves off the target frequently.
Eventually, though, the Canadians got their breakthrough, and Prince scored in the 33rd minute. The forward pounced on a giveaway in the Jamaican half following a corner and finished from close range.
The second half was rather similar to the first, with Canada dominating in possession and shots, but having difficulty truly getting around an organized Jamaican team. They were, however, able to add a second goal in the 79th minute, with Prince recording a brace. After receiving Adriana Leon’s pass, Prince won a one-v-one battle with goalkeeper Sydney Schneider to ensure her side’s victory.
The opening match in Edinburg saw Costa Rica blow out tournament newcomers Cuba 8-0, showing the experience gap between the two sides.
The Costa Ricans, who made their World Cup debut in 2015, got off to an early start when Daphne Herrera scored off a giveaway in the fourth minute. The midfielder recorded an assist just two minutes later, crossing the ball into the box before Priscilla Chinchilla finished. By the 19th minute, they were up 3-0, as Fabiola Sanchez’s header took a deflection and ended up in the back of the net.
It was going smoothly for Costa Rica until the 31st minute, when goalkeeper Noelia Bermudez came off after landing awkwardly on her arm. After being taken to a local hospital, she was diagnosed with a fractured left arm and ruled out for the remainder of the tournament. Fabiana Solano will take her place.
Despite the injury blow, Costa Rica scored three more goals before the halftime break. Captain Shirley Cruz, who was active in the attack for the entirety of her shift, nabbed a brace by scoring in the 33rd and 37th minutes, and Chinchilla completed her own brace in stoppage time.
The second half fared much better for Cuba. The squad stayed more organized defensively. Goalkeeper Katherine Montesino did her best to keep the deficit as small as possible, making several impressive saves throughout the match.
Eventually, Costa Rica added two more goals through substitute Maria Barrantes, who scored on a penalty in the 80th minute and once more in second-half stoppage time.
The day’s action put Costa Rica atop Group B on goal difference, though tied with Canada on points. Cuba will face Canada next, while Costa Rica will take on Jamaica when Group B play resumes Monday.
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