Canada Aims for Second Win in Two Matches against New Zealand Today
Published on June 11, 2015 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) News Release
CHICAGO (June 11, 2015) - Christine Sinclair and host Canada look to make it two wins from two matches at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup when they take on Abby Erceg and New Zealand today at 9 p.m. ET at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta.
Sinclair gave her country a dramatic 1-0 victory in the opening game of the tournament as she scored from the penalty spot in second-half stoppage time.
The Portland Thorns FC forward's heroics came after China defender Zhao Rong was judged to have impeded Chicago Red Stars forward Adriana Leon in the box - and with a Canada national team record 53,058 fans watching on Sinclair coolly stroked her shot past Chinese goalkeeper Wang Fei, off the base of the post and into the net.
Host nations have now won six of seven opening games of the World Cup.
Houston Dash goalkeeper Erin McLeod made one save to earn the shutout for Canada behind a defensive unit that included club teammates Lauren Sesselmann and Allysha Chapman as well as holding midfielder and former NWSL player Desiree Scott .
Sky Blue FC midfielder Jonelle Filigno and Red Stars midfielder Melissa Tancredi were also among the six NWSL players coach John Herdman selected as starters for the match - with Leon and Portland Thorns FC midfielder Kaylyn Kyle coming off the bench in the second half.
A victory Thursday against New Zealand will confirm the hosts' place in the last 16 and earn Canada their first trip out of the group stage at a World Cup for the first time since 2003 when they advanced to the semifinals.
Erceg and New Zealand will come into contest eager to take something from the match following their 1-0 loss Saturday against the Netherlands.
The defeat was New Zealand's ninth all-time in 10 games at the World Cup. The Football Ferns are still in search of their first victory on the world's biggest stage, having gone 0-9-1 in their first 10 matches over four tournaments.
Erceg, the Football Ferns captain, played all 90 minutes against the Dutch as New Zealand enjoyed their fair share of possession, claiming 50 percent of the time on the ball.
Given her time in the NWSL, Erceg will be very familiar with many of her opponents on Thursday - including Leon and Tancredi, her club teammates with the Red Stars.
National Women's Soccer League Stories from June 11, 2015
- Red Stars Partner with Downers Grove Roadrunners for "Superclub" Project - Chicago Stars FC
- Washington Spirit Sign World Cup Duo - Washington Spirit
- WNY Flash Academy Announces Girls U14-U18 Coaching Staff - Western New York Flash
- Canada Aims for Second Win in Two Matches against New Zealand Today - NWSL
- Germany Can Book Place in Knockout Stages with Win over Norway Today - NWSL
- NWSL by the Numbers: FIFA Women's World Cup 2015 - NWSL
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