Canada Soccer – Canada remains unbeaten at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Jordan 2016 after drawing Germany 1:1 in its second group stage match.

READ MATCH REPORT : Canada 1:1 Germany

“I am really proud of the girls. I think they fought right to the very end and showed that resilient Canadian gritty performance that we really thrive on in our country,” said Canada Soccer National EXCEL U-14 to U-17 Director and U-17 Coach Bev Humphries-Priestman. “At moments we also showcased the future players of Canada and the brand of football that we are developing. “

Deanne Rose put Canada ahead first, scoring in the 21st minute. Rose drove to the net chasing a Vital Kats pass and smartly challenged Germany’s keeper as the ball bounced to gain possession before chipping it over the heads of the retreating defenders.

Germany equalized late in extra time of the first half, with Giulia Gwinn converting on a penalty kick from the top of the box.
“It was a very tough game, but we are happy to come out of it with a draw,” said Humphries-Priestman. “We would have loved three points, but I think the reality of the physical difference between our young players and Germany’s more mature side means a draw was a good result.”

While Canada dominated much of the first half, Germany played deep in Canada’s end for a good deal of the second. With solid defending and excellent goalkeeping, Canada frustrated the German attack again and again, earning Canadian goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx the FIFA Live Your Goals Player of the Match for her superb performance in net.

“I feel amazing,” said Proulx after the match. “It would have been great to get the three points, but we got one and I think we are all happy with that, so now we are going to concentrate on our next game.”

Canada will play its final group stage match Friday 7 October against Venezuela at King Abdullah II International Stadium in Amman (19.00 local / 12.00 ET / 09.00 PT on TSN1, TSN4, and RDS).

Sitting atop Group B with four points, Canada is well placed to make it to the knock-out round. A win or draw against Venezuela Friday will clinch Canada’s spot in the quarterfinals, while a loss against the South American side could still see Canada progress, with second place Germany facing a pointless Cameroon in its final group stage match.  Germany and Canada each have four points going into Friday’s matches, with Canada ahead on goal difference.  Venezuela has three points. The two top team of each group advance.

GOALS

21’ Deanne Rose – Rose, already an Olympic bronze medallist, latched onto a through ball from Vidal Kats and Germany’s defense missed two opportunities to clear from danger. Rose made no mistake after she narrowly beat Germany goalkeeper Leonie Doege, turning and guiding her shot into the far corner with her left foot for the opening goal.

45 +1 Giulia Gwinn – Germany found an equaliser on the very last kick of the half. Just after Canada keeper Lysianne Proulx had made a point-blank save, Germany won a free-kick right on the edge of the Canadian penalty area awarded for a hand ball. From 18 yards out, Gwinn fired in the free-kick with great pace and precision past the reach of Proulx. 

Canada Soccer’s Women’s EXCEL Program

The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Jordan 2016 runs 30 September to 21 October, with the 32 matches to be played at four stadiums in Amman, Ibid, and Al Zarqa. From 16 nations, eight will advance to the group phase to reach the Quarter-finals, where Canada have landed three times in four previous trips.

Since 2002, Canada have participated in 11 of 12 FIFA women’s youth final competitions (U-17 to U-20), including six trips to the Quarter-finals and one silver medal at Canada 2002. Canada have also won four CONCACAF women’s youth championships, with titles at the U-20 level (2004, 2008), U-17 level (2010), and U-15 level (2014).

From 2014-16, Canada is the only nation in the world with top eight results in all four women’s international competitions: the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Costa Rica 2014, FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014, FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015, and Rio 2016 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament.

Canada’s Jordan 2016 roster features players born 1999 or later as part of Canada Soccer’s Women’s EXCEL Program. Beyond this year, players born in 1999 are eligible for CONCACAF and FIFA U-20 competitions in 2018 while players born in 2000 or 2001 are eligible for CONCACAF and FIFA U-20 competitions in 2018 and 2020.

Canada Soccer’s Women’s EXCEL Program, presented by Bell, brings together the best with the best at the national youth level. Operating across the U-14 to U-17 and U-18 to U-23 age groups, the program delivers an aligned talent structure and system that progresses more top players to Canada’s Women’s National Team.

Canada Soccer, in partnership with its membership and its partners, provides leadership in the pursuit of excellence in soccer, both at the national and international levels. Canada Soccer not only strives to lead Canada to victory, but also encourages Canadians to a life-long passion for soccer. For more details on Canada Soccer, visit the official website at canadasoccer.com

Vanessa Racine
Team Media Officer in Jordan
vracine@canadasoccer.com
m. +1 613.290.5934

Carrie Croft
Women’s National Teams Program
ccroft@canadasoccer.com
m. +1 613.406.4986

Richard Scott
Men’s National Teams Program
rscott@canadasoccer.com

m. +1 613.818.0305