Brazil defeated Canada, 3-1 on Sunday to win the 2015 Torneio Internacional de Natal. New Orlando Pride signing Mônica scored twice on corner kicks as Brazil rallied from 1-0 down.
Janine Beckie had put Canada ahead in the second half, but Brazil scored three straight times to claim the victory.
The biggest loss of the day for Canada could be goalkeeper Erin McLeod, who had to leave the game in the 31st minute after an apparent injury. Stephanie Labbé came into the match in McLeod’s place. Canada Soccer said on Monday morning that it had no information as of yet on McLeod’s status, and that the goalkeeper would be evaluated upon her return to Canada.
We appreciate all the love and support guys! @erinmcleod18 has n always will find a way.We'll let u know once we know more,she is a trooper!
— Ella Masar McLeod (@emasar3) December 21, 2015
Four Canadian teenagers made their first appearances for Canada’s senior team: Gabrielle Carle (17), Kennedy Faulknor (16), Marie Levasseur (18), and Deanne Rose (16).
“We’ll be looking at the organisation of the team,” he said. “Some of the younger players started growing in confidence, so the future will be about continuing to build that confidence around the senior players, and making sure we get that leadership from the senior group.”
Mônica, a center back who will play for Orlando Pride in 2016, also scored on a corner kick against the United States in October. The scouting report is out for NWSL teams.
Christine Sinclair did not score for the second straight game, leaving her stuck on 158 goals and tied with Mia Hamm for second on the all-time scoring list behind Abby Wambach, whose career ended last week with 184 goals to her name.
Canada’s next time on the field together will be Olympic qualifying in Texas. Canada drew Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala and Guyana in Group B.
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Additional reporting by Harjeet Johal.
