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Canada and England came into the Cyprus Women’s Cup final on Wednesday, March 13 undefeated. In the end, England walked away with a 1-0 victory and the tournament title, handing Canada their second consecutive loss in the finals.
Rachel Yankey’s 70th minute strike proved to be the difference. With the clock winding down, the 33 year-old midfielder connected with a cross to secure the win.
England sustained pressure throughout the match with players like Eniola Aluko getting off several shots, albeit wide or over the bar.
As she’s proven throughout the tournament, Jonelle Filigno continued to be a threat up top alongside Christine Sinclair and Adriana Leon. Filigno had Canada’s best chance in the 26th minute, but sent the ball wide of the far post.
Two Canadian starters suffered injuries. Sophie Schmidt was taken off in the 39th minute for precautionary reasons. Late in the second half, Carmelina Moscato left the pitch for what was later announced to be a rib injury.
As Canada pressed for an equalizer, centre back Emily Zurrer was even used as a striker.
Since the inaugural Cyprus Women’s Cup, Canada (2008, 2010, 2011), England (2009, 2013) and France (2012) have won the tournament.
Canada will revisit 2012 London Olympic quarter-final and bronze medal clashes next month, first, when Canada travels to Rotherham, England for a friendly on Sunday, April 7 at New York Stadium. Prior to that, Canada will face France on Thursday, April 4 at Ray Stadium in Nice, France.
With National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) pre-season in full swing after starting earlier this week, CanWNT players will be joining their American clubs upon their return from Cyprus. The inaugural NWSL season kicks off on Saturday, April 13 with Christine Sinclair and Karina LeBlanc’s Portland Thorns FC battling Desiree Scott and Lauren Sesselmann’s FC Kansas City.
Starting 11
Canada:
Erin McLeod; Rhian Wilkinson (Ashley Lawrence, 79’), Kadeisha Buchanan, Carmelina Moscato (Emily Zurrer, 79’) and Lauren Sesselman; Desiree Scott, Diana Matheson and Sophie Schmidt (Kaylyn Kyle, 39’); and Adriana Leon (Christina Julien, 59’), Jonelle Filigno (Robyn Gayle, 80’) and Christine Sinclair
England:
Karen Bardsley; and Alex Scott, Steph Hughton, Jill Scott, Sophie Bradley, Casey Stoney, Anita Asante, Eniola Aluko, Rachel Yankey, Fara Williams and Ellen White
CANWNT: CAN 0-1 ENG, Cyprus Cup Final, Reaction
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