The Canadian Women’s National Soccer Team could not break down a stalwart Icelandic defence as their friendly match fizzled out to a mil-nil draw.
Cindy Tye, head coach of Dalhousie Tigers women’s soccer, was called up to lead the Canadian Women’s National Team. Her chosen squad reflected the number of injuries to Canadian players, mixing in veterans with a few younger players to round things out.
The first half showed a dominant Canadian team but with little to show for how much that possessed the ball.
Jayde Riviere played a couple of dangerous balls into the 18-yard box for the striker pair, Adriana Leon and Nichelle Prince.
On the left, Ashley Lawrence was pairing well with Janine Beckie in linking up and overlapping.
However, the final product was lacking. Leon’s two opportunities were either high or wide. Prince’s runs behind the Icelandic defenders were ill-timed and showed her offside several times.
Off the ball, Canada seemed hesitant in their press, which allowed Iceland to build up from the back with patience. For their part, Iceland was structured defensively, and while they were pushed by Canada, Iceland never looked in too much danger.
Canada brought on Lysianne Proulx for her first cap. The goalkeeper took over for Sabrina D’Angelo who was dealing with an injury sustained in the first half.
But the second half was a continuation of the first—strong in the midfield and flanks, but frustration and difficulty in the attack.
Prince’s ill-timed runs hurt any chance she could create. Leon’s opportunities in the first half were errant. In the second half, they were non-existent.
A team starved for ideas
With the controversy and media storm surrounding the Canadian women’s program, there was a hope to change the story and make it about the product on the pitch.
This match was not the one to do that.
While there were strong performances from a number of players, the squad looked hesitant in the attacking third both with and without the ball.
Canada managed four shots on the goal, but the majority were from well out. Only Olivia Smith, a second-half substitute, beat the Icelandic goalkeeper, Cecilía Rán Rúnarsdóttir. However, the shot was off target, missing the far post by mere centimetres.
Up next
Canada has one more match in this international window. They will play South Korea on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
Kickoff is at 9 a.m. PST.
