In their last friendly prior to the 16-team FIFA U-20 Women's World Championship in Russia, Canada's Women's Under-20 Team today defeated Australia 3:0 with a first minute goal by Lisa Collison (Niagara Falls, ON) followed by a pair scored by Jodi-Ann Robinson (Richmond, BC) at Kirov Stadium in St Petersburg, Russia.
Canada lined up in a 4-3-3 formation with Erin McNulty of Winnipeg, Manitoba as the starting goalkeeper.
In the first minute after the opening whistle, Canada marched down the right flank in their first attack. Loredana Riverso crossed to the far post towards Aysha Jamani who then sent a one timer pass back to Collison. Collison, only eight metres out from the opponent's goal, then turned for a high volley past the Australian keeper.
Canada's second goal came in the 48th minute on a counter attack where Robinson found the end of a penetrating pass from Paige Adams then beat the keeper low from 12 metres out.
Canada scored the final goal of the rout in the 58th minute following a free kick taken by Sophie Schmidt. The Aussie back line were caught too high and Robinson beat her opponents for control of the ball. She then struck a right footed scorcher across her body to the upper left corner of the goal.
"A great result and team performance to wind up our preparation before heading to Moscow,” said Head Coach Ian Bridge. “We played a high tempo, high pressure game that Australia had all kinds of trouble dealing with."
"Our attacks were fast and dangerous, usually as a result of our pressure deep in their half. Our strikers often created their own chances from simply stealing the ball from the Australian defenders. We had three or four other great chances to score, but sometimes rushed our finishing."
"This was a terrific group effort that shows our potential when we are playing with passion, intensity and tactical discipline."
The team will travel to Moscow tomorrow where they begin the group stage against Nigeria on Thursday, August 17. Canada then continues against Finland on Sunday, August 20 before meeting China on Wednesday, August 23. The two teams who make it out of the group stage will proceed into the quarterfinals which take place on August 26. Schedule is listed below.