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 Canada win Cyprus Cup opener
Whitecaps striker Kara Lang scored a second-half winner, as Canada defeated Russia 2-1 in the Cyprus Cup on Wednesday. March 5, 2008CSA & Whitecaps FC Canada’s women’s national team defeated Russia 2-1 in their opening match of the Cyprus Cup tournament on Wednesday. Vancouver Whitecaps forwards Julie Armstrong and Kara Lang scored the goals for Even Pellerud’s side on a windy day in Paralimni, Cyprus. For Armstrong – who turns 18 next week – the strike was her first-ever goal at international level. Playing in a 4-3-3 formation, Armstrong partnered Lang and fellow Whitecaps striker Christine Sinclair in attack, with Canada taking the lead through the talented Delta, BC, teenager after eight minutes. Their initial lead lasted just ten minutes, as the windy conditions on the Mediterranean island assisted in Russia’s equalizer through Natalia Barbachia. Undeterred, Canada restored their lead five minutes after halftime, as Whitecaps defender Candace Chapman connected with Rhian Wilkinson from a throw-in. The Baie d‚Urfé, Quebec, native eluded a Russian defender before finding Lang, who struck home Canada’s winner into the far corner of Russia’s goal. It was a well-deserved goal for the Canadians, as they dominated the second half with plenty of scoring chances. Canada will play two more matches in the Cyprus Cup. On Friday, they face Japan before completing their campaign against an opponent yet to be named from the tournament’s other group on March 12. Before their final Cyprus Cup contest, Canada will play an international friendly against Scotland on March 10. Pellerud’s squad will then complete their European trip with another international friendly against France in the Paris suburb of Meaux on March 14. The squad is preparing for the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic qualification tournament in Mexico early next month. Canada needs to finish as one of the top two teams in the six-nation tournament in order to win a berth to the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in Beijing, China, later this year. In Mexico, Canada is hoping to draw inspiration from letters and photos featuring the 'We Believe' theme. Canadian fans and clubs (from all walks of sport and life) are encouraged to send their support to the team via mail (Women’s national team, 580-375 Water Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 5C6), fax (778.330.1396) or email (believe@soccercan.ca). Clubs are especially encouraged to mail signed team photos or short video messages. Canada line-up v Russia – Cyprus Cup (Whitecaps players in bold) 18-Erin McLeod; 7-Rhian Wilkinson, 9-Candace Chapman, 10-Martina Franko, 5-Robyn Gayle (3-Melanie Booth 78’); 11-Randee Hermus, 8-Diana Matheson, 4-Clare Rustad (19-Jonelle Filigno 65’); 12-Christine Sinclair, 14-Julie Armstrong (6-Sophie Schmidt 46’), 15-Kara Lang (21-Jodi-Ann Robinson 60’) More Women News Return To Whitecaps News |
