The Canadian women’s national team played their first match of 2022 on Thursday, taking on hosts England at the Arnold Clark Cup. Millie Bright scored the opening goal for England at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium, but a strike from Janine Beckie in the second half earned a point for Canada.
In a match dubbed the “Commonwealth Clasico”, the home team took the lead in the 22nd minute, on a volley from the centre-back Bright. After a corner kick was punched away by Canada goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan, the Chelsea defender struck the ball from the edge of the penalty area, and into the back of the net.
It would be the only goal of the opening half, but England had several opportunities for more, and spent much of the opening 45 minutes on the front foot. Lauren Hemp in particular was causing a lot of problems for the Canadian backline, battling all evening with right back Jayde Riviere, who left the match with an injury in the second half. Canada’s best chance of the first half was a header from Kadeisha Buchanan from a corner, but her effort was cleared away by an England defender.
10 minutes after the break, Janine Beckie equalised for Canada, firing a shot into the top left corner from the edge of the box. Her strike completed a quick counter attack, Canada’s best of the match, and the Manchester City player got the better of Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps.
Both sides upped the pace after Beckie’s goal, but despite their best efforts, the match would finish 1-1. The Spain vs Germany match earlier in the day finished by the same scoreline, so there’s a four-way tie with two matches still to play.
Leah Williamson, England
The England captain was strong on and off the ball, helping England control the midfield for large stretches of the match.
In matchday number two at the Arnold Clark Cup, Canada take on Germany — who are coming off a 1-1 draw with Spain — at Norwich’s Carrow Road. The match takes place on Sunday, February 20, at 3:15 pm ET and can be watched on TSN.
