Canada and England Clash Tonight
Published on June 27, 2015 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) News Release
CHICAGO (June 27, 2015) - Erin McLeod looks to help guide Canada back to the semifinals at a World Cup for just the second time when they face England tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The Houston Dash goalkeeper made two saves while earning plaudits as the Live Your Goals Player of the Match in the hosts' 1-0 victory Saturday over Switzerland in the Round of 16 at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup.
McLeod's most important save came in the 78th minute when she rushed off her line to deny midfielder Vanessa Bernauer from point-blank range. The stop helped propel her country into the quarterfinals and preserve McLeod's third shutout of the World Cup - tied for the most at the tournament.
Josee Belanger scored the sixth goal of her international career in the 52nd minute after Portland Thorns FC forward and Canada captain Christine Sinclair brought down a cross and played it into her path for her fellow striker to curl inside the far post from 14 yards.
The victory returned Canada to the quarterfinals for the first time since it finished fourth in the 2003 tournament in the United States and pushed the hosts to the precipice of equaling that feat on home soil 12 years later.
"As hosts we're obviously under a lot of pressure," Canada coach John Herdman told reporters after the game. "I'm proud of my team and what we've achieved. They're warriors who know what needs to be done and give it everything they've got. The fans were unbelievable again, it was just surreal."
The NWSL continued to play a big part of Canada's success. In addition to McLeod and Sinclair, Houston Dash defenders Lauren Sesselmann and Allysha Chapman were instrumental to their team's success, while Chicago Red Stars forward Melissa Tancredi, Portland Thorns FC midfielder Kaylyn Kyle and Sky Blue FC forward Jonelle Filigno also made key contributions.
Of the NWSL contingent, Sinclair and Chapman will need to avoid picking up a yellow card against England so that they are not suspended for a possible semifinal.
The Lionesses come into the match with motivation that a win on Saturday would mean their first-ever trip to a World Cup semifinal.
England reached the quarterfinals courtesy of a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Norway in Ottawa in the Round of 16. The NWSL had a part to play in the Lionesses' win as well - with Portland Thorns FC forward Jodie Taylor coming on as a second-half substitute to get the assist for setting up the game-winning goal scored by Lucy Bronze in 76th minute.
England won the only previous encounter between the two countries at the World Cup - a 3-2 victory at the 1995 tournament in Sweden - and hold a slender 6-5-0 edge in all-time meetings.
The winner of the game will travel to Edmonton, Alberta for a World Cup semifinal against the victor of the other match Saturday between Australia and Japan. The semifinal will be held at Commonwealth Stadium on Wednesday, July 1.
National Women's Soccer League Stories from June 27, 2015
- Houston Dash drop 1-0 result on the road to Washington Spirit - Houston Dash
- Dunn Goal Maintains Spirit Undeafted Home Streak - Washington Spirit
- Flash Face Boston Breakers Sunday Evening - Western New York Flash
- Canada and England Clash Tonight - NWSL
- Australia Chasing History against Japan Today - NWSL
- Houston Dash on the Road against the Washington Spirit Tonight - Houston Dash
- Chicago to Face Hosts Sky Blue FC on Sunday - Chicago Stars FC
- Red Stars in the World Cup: Johnston Shines Again in U.S. Win - Chicago Stars FC
- Chicago Red Stars Preparing for Another Year of Pride Initiatives - Chicago Stars FC
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