Welcome to the future.
Canada’s opening match in the women’s tournament at the 2015 Pan American Games against Ecuador featured youthful exuberance, strong finishing and had plenty entertainment value.
Here are my three takeaways from the game, which ended in a 5-2 victory for Canada in Hamilton.
Janine Beckie: Jack of all trades
The exclusion of Janine Beckie from the Women’s World Cup roster was a surprise to many, but in the long run that may prove to be the perfect motivator for the young striker.
She netted Canada’s opening goal just 12 minutes in, hitting a low, bouncing strike into the right corner from the top of the 18-yard box. Her nose for the net is nothing new, though. She led the Reds in scoring at last year’s U-20 Women’s World Cup and has had an exceptional NCAA career at Texas Tech.
What should be most appreciated about Beckie is not necessarily her scoring, but that she’s always involved on the pitch. She’s constantly trying to create something, and while it might not always lead to a goal, that persistence is absolutely vital in rounding out your game and becoming a better player.
Now to the bizarre part of this match: Goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe was sent off for a last-player tackle at the 86-minute mark after Canada used all three of its substitutes. Beckie volunteered to go in net, only to be held up by an odd sequence of events, which included changing her jersey to a red Canada home version and wearing a grey pinny on top. Given the score line and time of game, it’s safe to say, it was a little comical.
Pan Am Games on Sportsnet: Watch all of Canada’s games (both men and women) and the entire knockout round live on Sportsnet. Consult our broadcast schedule by CLICKING HERE.
Brace for Shelina Zadorsky
You know it’s a good day at the office when your left fullback nets a brace.
Shelina Zadorsky, who joins the squad after playing pro in Europe and Australia, made the most of her time moving up the pitch. As the opening half was drawing to a close, she raced down the flank to put in a cross for one of her teammates. The curve of the ball somehow eluded Ecuadorian goalkeeper Shirley Berruz and nestled into the back of the net.
Just three minutes into the second half, Zadorsky found herself on the end of a well-placed corner kick by Beckie and neatly chipped the ball over Berruz.
Lost amongst all this chatter about Zadorsky’s scoring prowess is the fact the 22-year-old is a very active fullback with a strong left foot. That’s a rare and valuable commodity.
Creativity in the midfield
A thumbs up to the foursome of Ashley Lawrence, Emma Fletcher, Sarah Kinzner and Jessie Fleming. All four starting midfielders showed creativity and provided excellent service to their forwards.
Their support and rotation of one another was noticeable, but what stood out most was their no fear attitude. If they made a mistake or gave away the ball, they fought twice as hard to win it back. With a squad that’s predominately U-23, it’s easy to get down on yourself and dwell on the error. This was not the case here.
It was also great to see Fletcher rewarded and score Canada’s fifth of the night. Hard work does pay off.
NOTES: As per the Canadian Soccer Association, forward Nichelle Prince is injured and has been replaced on the roster with Sarah Stratigakis… Due to her red card, Stephanie Labbe is ineligible for Canada’s next game (next Wednesday against Costa Rica) and that means Kailen Sheridan will start in goal… Canada’s is tied for first in the Group B with Brazil, who also won their opener.