Carolina Morace opened her Canadian coaching career with a draw as Canada's opening match at the 2009 Cyprus Cup ended 1-1 with New Zealand. A young Canadian side brushed off five months of rust to jump on the Kiwis early. Christina Julien scored her first international goal, on her first shot, while earning her first international cap, in the 11th minute after being played through by a beautiful ball from Christine Sinclair. Julien’s initial touch took her wide of the net but she still managed to drive the ball through the legs of New Zealand keeper Jenny Biden.

Morace directed special praise to the young players of the team including three players who earned their first cap in the match; Alyssa Lagonia, Chelsea Stewart, and Julien.

Strikers Julien and Sinclair were combining well to give New Zealand a lot to think about through the opening 30 minutes and in the 27th minute both were involved in a passage of play which nearly delivered Canada’s second goal.  Canada was unable to find the final ball after some intricate passing had opened up the New Zealand defence. Rhian Wilkinon's cross from the right was cleared to the top of the 18 where Kaylyn Kyle’s follow shot up was saved by keeper Biden.

New Zealand answered back in the 34th after Amy Walsh was winded by a ball to the stomach, which allowed New Zealand space down the Canadian right. A low cross into the box was met by an unmarked Betsy Hassett who made no mistake from 12 yards out.

Canada weathered the early pressure from New Zealand at the start of the second half. As the half wore on Canada began to assert their dominance in midfield. Emily Zurrer went close with a long effort that had to be watched carefully by keeper Biden. Canada’s next good effort came from a dipping corner which had to be tipped over the bar at the last minute by the New Zealand goalkeeper.

In the 78th minute Sinclair had a great opportunity to put Canada back in the lead, after a great overlapping run gave the Canadians space to pick out Sinclair at the top of the box but she fired her first time effort from the top of the box over the bar.

A frenetic finish with chances at both ends, in which New Zealand hit the crossbar, brought to an end an entertaining full blooded match which will leave both teams hopeful of topping group B and reaching the Cyprus Cup final on Thursday March 12th.

Canada next faces the Netherlands on 7 March and Russia on 10 March. The opposite group features England, France, Scotland and South Africa. All teams will cross over and play on 12 March to determine their placing in the tournament.

Match notes:
Amy Walsh reached 99 career caps in the match against New Zealand. Five players were unavailable including; Martina Franko, Candace Chapman, Brittany Timko, Kelly Parker, and Erin McNulty.