Canadian soccer women wrap up eventful year with lopsided 5-1 win over South Korea
Marie-Yasmine Alidou and Olivia Smith were the stars of the show as the Canadian women’s soccer team wrapped up a challenging year with a dominant 5-1 victory over South Korea in an international friendly in Murcia, Spain. The match saw Alidou and Smith both find the back of the net in impressive fashion, showcasing their individual talents and contributing to a well-deserved win for Canada.
The game got off to a positive start for Canada, with an own goal from Korea giving them the lead in the first half. However, it was Alidou’s stunning long-range strike in the 52nd minute that truly set the tone for the rest of the match. The Portuguese-based forward unleashed a powerful shot that dipped just under the crossbar, leaving the Korean goalkeeper with no chance.
Smith, who has been in fine form for Liverpool this season, extended Canada’s lead with a well-taken goal in the 58th minute. The young forward displayed her strength and composure as she outmuscled two defenders before slotting the ball into the corner of the net. It was a performance that showcased Smith’s potential as a rising star in Canadian soccer.
Despite Korea pulling a goal back in the 76th minute, Canada continued to press forward and add to their lead. Vanessa Gilles scored with a header off a free kick, before substitute Adriana Leon rounded off the scoring with a goal in stoppage time. The result was a comprehensive victory for Canada, capping off a tumultuous year with a positive note.
The match took place against a backdrop of political unrest in South Korea, with President Yoon Suk Yeol declaring emergency martial law on the same day. Despite the distractions, Canada remained focused on the task at hand and delivered a strong performance on the field.
The win against Korea marked the end of a headline-filled year for the Canadian women’s team, which included controversy at the Paris Olympics and the departure of head coach Bev Priestman. Interim coach Cindy Tye oversaw the team during the November international window, leading them to a draw against Iceland before the impressive victory over Korea.
With several key players missing due to injury and personal reasons, Tye made several changes to the lineup, giving opportunities to new faces such as Megan Reid, Emma Regan, Jeneva Hernandez Gray, and Nyah Rose. The young players seized their chance to shine and contributed to Canada’s strong performance on the day.
Overall, the Canadian women’s team finished the year with a 9-0-7 record, showcasing their resilience and determination in the face of adversity. As they look ahead to a new season and the search for a new head coach continues, Canada can take pride in their achievements and the bright future ahead for women’s soccer in the country.
