The Canada Women’s National Team defeated China 3-2 on Friday in its Four Nations Tournament opener after erasing a two goal deficit.
Forward Christine Sinclair provided the dramatic winner in the 94th minute after Melissa Tancredi played her in behind the Chinese defense for a breakaway. The goal capped off a dramatic comeback for the recently crowned CONCACAF Champions.
China took an early 2-0 lead behind goals from You Jia’s goals in the 19th and 36th minutes.
After making two substitutions at halftime (including Karina LeBlanc replacing Erin McLoud in net), Canada slowly chipped away at China’s lead. Tancredi cut the lead in half in the 56th minute when she chipped Chinese goalkeeper Zhang Yue.
Then, in the 80th minute, Tancredi assisted Sinclair’s first goal of the game before setting up the third and final goal.
“All three goals were very good goals,” Canada Head Coach Carolina Morace told canadasoccer.com. “I was very happy for (Tancredi) because sometimes I think she doesn’t realize the potential she has inside. She wanted to score today.”
Box Score:
Canada’s Starting XI: Erin McLeod (45′ – Karina LeBlanc), Marie-Eve Nault (75′ – Robyn Gayle), Emily Zurrer, Candace Chapman, Rhian Wilkinson, Carmelina Moscato (45′ – Sophie Schmidt), Diana Matheson, Kaylyn Kyle (82′ – Desiree Scott), Jonelle Filigno (68′ – Jodi-Ann Robinson), Melissa Tancredi, Christine Sinclair.
China PR’s Starting XI: Zhang Yue, Zhou Gaoping, Weng Xinzhi, Yuan Fan, Yu Yahui (51′ – Li Danyang), Zhang Na, Qu Shanshan, You Jia (68′ – Wang Yihang), Pang Fengyue, Gu Yasha, Xu Yuan (79′ – Li Lin)
Goal Scoring Summary:
19th – China, You Jia
36th – China,You Jia
56th – Canada, Melissa Tancredi
80th – Canada, Christine Sinclair
90th+4 – Canada, Christine Sinclair
Also in Four Nations play on Friday: USA 1-2 Sweden
