Nicosia, Cyprus | GSP Stadium
Attendance: 150
Nkem Ezurike
Rhian Wilkinson
Brittany Timko Baxter
Kaylyn Kyle
Quinn
Emily Zurrer
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Canada’s Women’s National Team will play for fifth place in the 2014 Cyprus Cup after England scored twice in the opening 33 minutes to defeat Canada 2:0.
Lianne Sanderson scored both goals for England who will look to defend their title from last year’s tournament.
Canada plays for fifth since their six points out of Group A puts them behind Group B runners-up Scotland, who have seven points. Canada will play the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday.
Needing just a point in their final game of the group stage to reach the final, Canada found themselves behind in the first minute when England quickly transitioned into attack and after Karen Carney crossed in from the right side, Sanderson got to the ball first and headed home from close range.
Scoring the early goal allowed England to sit a little bit deeper with more players behind the ball and while Canada had a lot of possession, they couldn’t find a way through.
The insurance goal came in the 33rd minute when England worked very quickly in transition and, after Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod made a fine save on the first England shot of the rush, Canada was unable to clear the ball and Sanderson was there again in space and made no mistake from just outside the penalty spot.
England, which were playing with their top lineup on Monday, have now` won three straight games against Canada, including two straight 1:0 wins last year.
For much of the second half, Canada spent vast amounts of time in the England end but England were organized at the back and had plenty of numbers behind the ball as they looked to preserve their lead. Their defenders were also quick to snuff out any Canadian momentum by slowing the game down.
Defender Rhian Wilkinson, who started on the back line for Canada, recorded her 150th appearance for Canada and is only the third player to accomplish that feat.
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