In her first match as Canada’s women’s soccer team head coach, Casey Stoney witnessed a game of contrasting halves against China at the Pinatar Cup. Stoney expressed satisfaction with the first half but disappointment with the second half, resulting in a 1-1 draw in Murcia, Spain.
China, ranked 17th, equalized in the 58th minute after falling behind to a Julia Grosso goal in the 16th minute. The Canadian team, ranked sixth, had to rely on a crucial save by goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo in stoppage time to secure the draw following a threatening China corner.
Stoney, the former England captain recently appointed as Canada’s coach, observed from the sidelines at Pinatar Arena as her team delivered a somewhat uneven performance. She noted a lack of control and discipline in the second half, straying from their usual style of play and allowing China to influence the game. Stoney also mentioned challenges with the officiating led by Hungarian referee Katalin Sipos.
Canada is set to continue tournament action against Mexico on Saturday and Taiwan next Tuesday at the Pinatar Arena. The absence of several key players, including Jessie Fleming, who arrived late due to North American commitments, posed a challenge for Stoney in her coaching debut.
Vanessa Gilles, earning her 49th cap, led the team in Fleming’s absence. Stoney praised Gilles’ leadership qualities and decision to make her the captain for the match. The game saw Grosso scoring Canada’s opening goal and China equalizing later in the match. Emma Regan made history as the first Northern Super League player to represent Canada.
Stoney emphasized the importance of widening the player pool during the camp and expressed pride in leading the Canadian team. She took over from Bev Priestman, following her departure from Canada Soccer after the drone-spying incident at the Paris Olympics. Canada’s record against China stands at 8-14-6, with recent dominance in their encounters.
Despite missing key players like Kadeisha Buchanan and Deanne Rose due to injuries, Canada maintained an unbeaten streak in regulation time, extending to 20 matches. Stoney’s debut marked a significant moment in Canadian women’s soccer, signaling a new chapter under her leadership.