CanWNT Lose To Japan In Their Final SheBelieves Cup Game

Summary

• Canada suffered an embarrassing 0-3 loss to Japan 
• Canada finished the SheBelieves Cup with 1 win and 2 losses
• Team blames poor performance on off-field issues with Canada Soccer 

Canada’s women’s football team initially wanted to strike and not be a part of the SheBelieves Cup due to their issues with Canada Soccer.

However, under threat of legal action, the team changed their stance and decided to play under protect.

The Canadian women’s football team wore purple shirts once again during their practice sessions and purple hand bands when they played to let the world know that they were unhappy with how they were being treated by governing body Canada Soccer.

Disappointing Performance In SheBelieves Cup

The SheBelieves Cup is a four team tournament comprising of Olympic champs Canada, the United States, Brazil and Japan. Canada had a tough opening game against the United States and ended up losing 0-2. 

Canada received more attention for their protests against Canada Soccer than for their performance on the field. They bounced back in their second game when they faced Brazil and won 2-0. Canada had a must win game against Japan on Feb 23 in order to stay alive in the SheBelieves Cup.

However, the team did not have a great start with Sabrina D’Angelo (pictured) getting injured early in the first half when Japan took the lead with Kiko Seike. The team did not recover putting in a lacklustre performance against Japan and ended up losing 0-3, which is an overall summary of how they have played during this tournament. 

Bev Priestman, head coach for Team Canada said it was a difficult tournament for the team because they were physically and emotionally exhausted due to their battle with Canada Soccer. Priestman said the team looked flat and it was difficult for her as a coach to see how they performed because she knew that they can play so much better.

Not A Great Statement To Canada Soccer

Canada’s women’s football team want Canada Soccer to give them the same privileges that they shower the men’s football team with. They are also pushing for equal pay and are unhappy that Canada Soccer are resisting their demands.

This poor performance at the SheBelieves Cup is not going to strengthen their case with Canada Soccer. Alternatively, if they managed to put in a strong performance and ended up winning the tournament, one would think that it would make their case a lot stronger and push Canada Soccer to give in to their demands.