Canada defeats Mexico for fifth in Montevideo
It was the evening matchup to close out the August 2 slate of games as Canada and Mexico battled for fifth place in Montevideo. Canada controlled the game and grabbed two second half goals to win fifth place at the Pan American Cup.
For the first 30 minutes, Canada and Mexico exchanged chances and penalty corner opportunities with Canada primarily controlling the possession game but no goals to show for it. Both keepers were sound, and the defensive sides shined through. Finally, in the 38th minute, Canada struck first. Veteran Kat Leahy crashed into the circle with a pass through the Chloe Walton who settled the ball and smashed a backhand strike for the goal.
The Walton marker released the pressure as Canada breathed a sigh of relief. With the lead, Canada continued to press. In the fourth quarter, one of Canada’s young additions, Nora Goddard-Despot one timed a crossed ball into the net, doubling the lead and securing the victory for Canada. The goalkeeping tandem of Rowan Harris and Marcia LaPlante carded a clean sheet in the fifth-place victory.
While Canada had hoped to be in the semis, fighting for that precious World Cup bid, they will have to reset the batteries, use the positive momentum from this tournament and build towards the upcoming World Cup qualifying tournaments. Those events are yet to be scheduled but will not double be great battles as the last spots at the World Cup are up for grabs.
