Short-handed Canadian soccer women tie China in head coach Casey Stoney’s debut

Casey Stoney made her debut as head coach of Canada’s women’s soccer team in a thrilling match against China at the Pinatar Cup. The game ended in a 1-1 draw, with Stoney expressing mixed feelings about her team’s performance.

The first half saw Canada taking the lead with a goal from Julia Grosso in the 16th minute. However, China fought back in the second half, equalizing in the 58th minute. The match was intense, with Canada relying on a crucial save from goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo in stoppage time to secure the tie.

Stoney, a former England captain who took over as Canada’s head coach in January, was critical of her team’s performance in the second half. She noted a lack of control and discipline, as well as a deviation from their usual style of play. Stoney also highlighted the physicality of the Chinese team and raised concerns about the officiating, which she felt did not favor Canada.

Despite the challenges, Canada showed promise in the early stages of the game, dominating possession and scoring the opening goal through Grosso. Stoney praised Vanessa Gilles, who captained the team in the absence of Jessie Fleming, and highlighted the contributions of other players like Ashley Lawrence and Nichelle Prince.

The match also featured some notable substitutions, including Adriana Leon, who unsuccessfully appealed for a penalty in the 83rd minute. Stoney believed it was a clear penalty, emphasizing the need for better officiating.

Looking ahead, Canada will face Mexico and Taiwan in the remaining games of the tournament. Stoney is focused on expanding the player pool and building a strong team for future competitions. Despite missing key players due to injuries and other commitments, Stoney remains confident in her squad’s abilities.

Overall, Stoney’s debut as Canada’s head coach was a mix of highs and lows. While there were areas for improvement, the team showed resilience and determination on the field. As they continue to grow and evolve under Stoney’s leadership, Canada’s women’s soccer team looks set to achieve great things in the future.