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Adriana Leon earned her first senior cap and goal while leading Canada to victory against China at the opening match of the 2013 Yongchuan Cup.
The young Canadian squad, which capped six players for the first time, defended against first half pressure from the host nation. Han Peng placed her header wide of the net while Zhang Rui’s volley in the six-yard box was then parried away by Erin McLeod.
Match Highlights: Canada WNT 1-0 China PR
In the 75th minute, Leon intercepted a backpass and had two Chinese defenders backpedaling before driving the ball to the far post for the goal. Nearing the end of the match, Nichelle Prince’s one-timer off a Robyn Gayle square ball was saved by goalkeeper Zhang Yue.
John Herdman used all six available substitutes in the second half.
Canada’s next match is against the 16th ranked South Korea on Monday, January 14 (7pm local/8am ET/5am PT).
CANWNT: Canada 1-0 China PR, Reactions
Starting Line-ups:
Canada
Erin McLeod in goal; Rhian Wilkinson, Kadeisha Buchanan, Lauren Sesselmann and Bryanna McCarthy; Desiree Scott, Sophie Schmidt and Diana Matheson; and Christabel Oduro, Jodi-Ann Robinson and Adriana Leon
Substitutes: Chelsea Stewart, Tiffany Cameron, Kaylyn Kyle, Nichelle Prince, Robyn Gayle and Ashley Lawrence
China
Zhang Yue, Li Jiayue, Wu Haiyan, Zeng Ying, Wang Lingling, Pu Wei, Han Peng, Wang Lisi, Ren Guizin, Zhang Rui and Li Ying
Substitutes: Lou Jiahui, Ma Xiaoxu, Zhou Feifei and Wang Shuang
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