Canada Blanks Mexico in Burnaby

Edmonton, Alberta – Canada’s Women’s World Cup Team earned a 6-0 win over Mexico at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, BC Thursday night to sweep their two-game series. It was Canada’s fourth straight two-game series sweep, with earlier victories coming over England, Mexico and Brazil. Canada has now won all 10 encounters between the two countries and are undefeated in their last nine games. The Canadians outscored their visitors 14-0 in the two games after Sunday’s 8-0 win in Edmonton.



Kara Lang opened the scoring in the seventh minute when she intercepted a poor back pass and her right-footed shot eluded Jennifer Molina in the Mexican goal, though it did hit Mexican defender Monica Gonzalez on the way in. It was Lang’s 16th goal in 28th game.



Lang added to her reputation for scoring spectacular goals when she struck a left-footed shot from 25 yards out which sailed over Molina and into the top right hand corner. Then, just for good measure, Lang did almost the exact same thing, hitting an unstoppable right-footed shot into the top left hand corner from 25 yards in the 59th minute.



Canadian captain Charmaine Hooper played at the center of a back four with Tanya Dennis beside her in the first half and Sasha Andrews in the second half before Clare Rustad replaced Lang and she moved up to striker. Hooper was also presented with a commemorative plate by CSA President Andy Sharpe in recognition of her earning her 100th international cap, becoming the first Canadian to reach the milestone. Canada’s Christine Sinclair also earned her 50th cap.



Andrews made it 3-0 when she volleyed home a loose ball after a Hooper corner.



Mexico’s only real scoring chance came at the stroke of halftime when Patricia Perez hit a low shot that rolled past the far post from a tight angle.



Goalkeepers Karina LeBlanc and Taryn Swiatek shared the shutout.



Canada’s best buildup of the game came in the 55th minute. Hooper worked the ball out of the back to Kiss who played the ball down the wing to Rhian Wilkinson. Wilkinson’s cross was deflected with Burtini then playing a ball into Christine Sinclair who the ball off to Kiss who hit a fierce one-timer that Molina did well to hold on to.



Wilkinson added to the rout when she burst into the 18-yard box, showed great acceleration to elude the defender and a soft touch by gently chipping the onrushing Molina to give Canada a 5-0 lead.



Rustad completed the scoring with a fine header off an Isabelle Morneau cross from the left side in the 85th minute.



The team will now enjoy a five day break before reassembling in Kingston, Ontario on September 11. Canada will play its final preparation game against Australia in Kingston on September 14.



September 4, 2003 – International Friendly

Swangard Stadium, Vancouver, BC

Attendance: 6210

Canada 6 (2)

Mexico 0 (0)

Referee: Sandra Hunt

Assistant Referees: Simon Fearn, Martin Reid

Fourth Official: Jill Proctor



Goal: Canada – Kara Lang (7, 31, 59), Sasha Andrews (57), Rhian Wilkinson (61), Clare Rustad (85)



Cautions: Mexico – Monica Gonzalez (20), Jennifer Ruiz (27), Canada – Kristina Kiss (87)

Canada: Karina LeBlanc (Taryn Swiatek, 46), Silvana Burtini, Charmaine Hooper (C), Tanya Dennis, Brittany Timko (Isabelle Morneau, 70), Andrea Neil (Sasha Andrews, 46), Kristina Kiss, Diana Matheson (Linda Consolante, 78), Kara Lang (Clare Rustad, 63), Christine Sinclair, Christine Latham (Rhian Wilkisnon, 46). Head coach: Even Pellerud



Mexico: Jennifer Molina, Jennifer Ruiz, Maria Castillo, Monica Vergara (Elizabeth Gomez, 65), Monica Gonzalez, Fatima Moran (Luz Saucedo, 73), Teresa Worbis (Andrea Moreno, 84), Patricia Perez (Devinder Vega, 81), Mayra Loera, Susana Chavez, Nadia Hernandez. Head coach: Leonardo Quellar