CommBank Matildas defeated 2-1 in 'B' international against Canada

The CommBank Matildas have been defeated 2-1 in a pre-Olympic Games ‘B’ International Match against Canada.

Sharn Freier scored an early goal in the first half, but the Olympic champions Canada soon equalised, and a late Evelyne Viens strike proved to be the winner.

The match was classified as a ‘B’ International Match, meaning that goals and appearances do not count towards official records.

Several squad members were deemed unavailable for the fixture. Kaitlyn Torpey and Steph Catley were ruled out earlier in the week with lower leg injuries sustained before arriving in camp. They are both progressing well and are on track to rejoin the squad at training prior to the first match of Paris 2024™.

Goalkeeper Teagan Micah and midfielder Tameka Yallop were also ruled out as precautionary measures. Micah arrived in camp in the latter stages of rehabilitation for an injury sustained at her club in May, and was left out of contention for this game to ensure her availability for the Olympic Games. Yallop sustained a minor impact injury during training and was rested as a precaution.

Finally, Caitlin Foord was a late withdrawal after feeling quad awareness during warm-up. She was replaced in the starting lineup by Sharn Freier.

Head Coach Tony Gustavsson had warned of Canada’s high press in the pre-match press conference, and that made itself evident in the opening exchanges. Goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold was forced into a sharp save off the boot of Adriana Leon to prevent the Olympic champions taking the lead.

However, after weathering the opening storm, it was the CommBank Matildas who scored first. Mary Fowler found space in Canada’s half and played through a pinpoint ball to Sharn Freier. Freier beat her defender and slotted it past Kailen Sheridan between the sticks, giving Australia the lead.

Canada hit back late in the half. A good cross from Cloé Lacasse proved difficult for Arnold to deal with, opening the door for an onrushing Nichelle Prince to score.

Clare Wheeler, playing at left-back, came close to regaining the lead just before half time. A lovely ball from Freier picked out Wheeler at the back post but her pass across the face of goal could not meet Ellie Carpenter’s back post run, and so the teams went into the half-time break level.

Half-time saw five substitutes for Australia. Charli Grant, Clare Polkinghorne, Emily van Egmond, Michelle Heyman and Courtney Nevin came onto the pitch. They replaced Ellie Carpenter, Alanna Kennedy, Katrina Gorry, Hayley Raso and Cortnee Vine.

Clare Polkinghorne’s experience was felt at the back when she made a vital block from a Jordyn Huitema shot just over ten minutes into the half. Huitema was one of Canada’s best throughout the game.

The 78th minute saw Winonah Heatley introduced to the field of play for the first time in an Australian shirt. While it will not count as an international debut, due to the match being a ‘B’ International, it was a significant moment for the 23-year-old. She replaced Clare Hunt in defence.

Evelyne Viens was the player who eventually made the difference. After a ball from Huitema found her in the box, she was able to rifle in a decisive finish, giving Canada the lead for the first time in the 85th minute.

The CommBank Matildas pushed for the equaliser but were unable to find the late breakthrough. The team’s attention now turns to the first match of Paris 2024™ on 25 July.

MATCH DETAILS

Australia v United StatesDate: 31 July 2024 (local) / 1 August 2024 (AEST)Kick-off: 7.00pm (local) / 3.00am AESTVenue: Stade de Marseille, Marseille, France