Viens netted two goals in Canada’s 3-1 win over Haiti in Montreal.
Holly Ward scored her first international goal and added an assist in her second appearance as a senior.
Most of the 18,000 fans cheered for Haiti, reflecting Montreal’s strong Haitian community.
Canada secured a 3-1 win over Haiti at Stade Saputo in Montreal, capping off a two-match sweep in their soccer friendly series. The true story of the night, however, was the overwhelmingly pro-Haiti atmosphere.
Evelyne Viens had a night to remember on Tuesday, scoring twice in front of her hometown crowd, though it hardly felt like a home game for Team Canada.
“It was between pleasant and strange” said Viens, who grew up in L’Ancienne-Lorette, Québec.
“It was a good crowd, and we hoped we’d get a better fan base for us, but still a good atmosphere.”, added the 28-year-old ho plays as a forward for Serie A club AS Roma.
With over 18,000 fans in attendance, most waving Haitian flags and dressed in the country’s bold colors, the stadium buzzed with chants of “Haiti! Haiti!” throughout the match.
Even the simplest plays by the visiting team drew loud cheers, and when Melchie Dumornay buried a penalty just before halftime, the place erupted.
Canada head coach Casey Stoney said,
I thought it was brilliant in terms of the atmosphere, what the fans brought. It was not in our favour, but at the same time, it just shows how beautifully diverse this country is.
Coach Quignette: “It Was Magnifique.”
The Haitian women’s squad, unable to train or play at home due to safety concerns, treated Montreal like familiar ground.
Haiti coach Malou Quignette commented,
We knew that in Montreal, we’d be playing at home. It was ‘magnifique.’ We played with 13, I don’t even know how many — 18,000.
In the 88th minute, a fan ran onto the field to hug Haiti’s Roseline Eloissaint, followed by others who jumped barriers post-match to celebrate with the players.
One supporter even sprinted across the pitch waving the Haitian flag before being tackled by security.
Dumornay added
I expected there to be a lot of people because I know there are a lot of Haitians in Montreal, who love football
Canada Improved to 5-0-0
On the pitch, 21-year-old Holly Ward was a standout for Canada. The Vancouver Rise FC forward scored her first senior national goal and assisted on Viens’ second.
Oh my gosh. I have so many emotions. This is genuinely something I’ve dreamed of for my entire life.
GOAL 🇨🇦🇨🇦
Holly Ward scores her first #CanWNT goal, on another header set up by Jessie Fleming 🔥
Captain Jessie Fleming notched two assists, and Canada stayed perfect against Haiti all-time, improving to 5-0-0. Defender Zara Chavoshi made her senior debut, while Emma Regan also featured.
Stoney praised Ward’s performance: “Really bright spark… I thought it was a real bright spark.”
Despite Haiti dominating parts of the second half, Canada held firm, thanks in part to a crucial late save by keeper Sabrina D’Angelo on Dumornay.
Ava TremblayAuthorHello, My name is Ava. I am a keen sports enthusiast and enjoying not only watching but also playing a variety of them throughout the year. Ones that I particularly enjoy are reflected in the posts I tend to write about, stemmed from my experience in college athletics, coverage for the NBA and keen attendee...
By Ava Tremblay
