Canada Women Tie Mexico in Last Home Game Before Paris Olympics

Summary:

• The Canada VS Mexico women’s soccer game played on Tuesday night at the BMO Field ended with a 1-1 draw. 
• This was the Canadians’ last home match before the fast-approaching Paris Olympics. 
• The Canadians will open the Olympic title defence against New Zealand on July 25.

The finale of the two-game women’s friendly soccer series played between ninth-ranked Canada and No. 31 Mexico on Tuesday evening ended in a 1-1 draw. 

This was Canada’s final game on home soil before coach Bev Priestman can officially name the 18-player roster with four alternates for the Paris Games. 

“Some Players Have Definitely Put Their Best Foot Forward”

Tuesday’s squad rotation gave players the opportunity to prove themselves on the green while feeding Priestman with food for thought. 

Teams have until July 3 to name their Olympic squads. Priestman, however, expects to make the announcement by June 30.

The coach spoke about the way “some players” have come forward “either in the last six to nine months or you could argue in the last couple of games“, which wasn’t helping her get the clearance she needed. 

Priesteman added some of the players “have definitely put their best foot forward” which, as she told the girls in the locker-room, is now making her life “so so difficult”.

She also praised the “real class” they’ve shown “in a time that’s difficult“.

Next Up for Canada

Canada came into Tuesday’s game 23-2-3 all-time against the Mexican counterpart. The latter showed character and hung on to earn the tie.

The Canadians controlled the game from the start in front of a crowd of 18,805 people at BMO Field, creating the impression that a goal was soon to come. 

Kadeisha Buchanan was the one to score for the team while Mexico’s tie was brought in by Jacqueline Ovalle. 

The Mexican team is ranked third in CONCACAF after Canada and the fourth-ranked Americans.

The Mexicans managed to launch several counterattacks but they lacked determination in their attacks.

The Canadians will open the defence of their Olympic title on July 25 with a game against No. 26 New Zealand. 

Next, they will complete the Group A play against No. 5 France on July 28 followed by a match against No. 25 Colombia on July 31.