Canadian U20 Womens' NT News

[Joe MacCarthy]

Canadian Soccer Association
Friday, December 16, 2005
U20 Teams Name Training Camp Squads

http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2365

http://www.canadasoccer.com/images/media/mitchell_bridge.jpg
Dale Mitchell and Ian Bridge

Ottawa, Ontario – Both of Canada’s U20 National Teams have named their respective rosters for upcoming training camps in late 2005. However, both head coaches are certainly looking to achieve different things when their squads convene next week.

Unlike Dale Mitchell, Canada’s U20 Women’s Head Coach, Ian Bridge, has more pressing concerns.

Bridge will assemble his team in Ft. Lauderdale, FL from December 28 to January 8, 2006 and is preparing for the U20 Women’s CONCACAF Qualifying Tournament that is scheduled to take place ten days after his training camp ends. Therefore, it is expected that Bridge will not only have to make some final decisions regarding his squad during the training camp in Ft. Lauderdale, but will have to make sure that this group is prepared for what they will face in Mexico shortly afterward.

'This is of course a very important preparation camp for the team just before CONCACAF qualifying - less than two weeks after this camp finishes,” said Bridge. “With those time lines, I don’t see many changes - if at all - between this squad and the squad that will go to Mexico and try to win the first ever CONCACAF U20 Women’s Championship.”

A quick glance at Bridge’s team gives a clear illustration of the experience and depth available - a point that is certainly not lost on the 46 year-old.

“Team play, formations, patterns and details will be a big focus for us in Florida. What will certainly help is the fact that we have 11 players at this camp who were on the U19 team that qualified for Thailand in 2004, so I think we have players who know how to compete and how to win.”

Bridge was also quick to point out that the steady flow of young, talented Canadian women that we have grown accustomed to seeing, has not dried-up.

“But as with earlier teams, we also have some exciting young talents mixed-in amongst the group that are learning fast and are pushing the 'veterans' - if you can call 19 year-olds veterans.'

CONCACAF has recently released the fixtures for the upcoming U20 Women’s Qualifying Tournament.

The eight-team tournament, which will qualify three CONCACAF nations to the 2006 FIFA Women’s U-20 World Championship in Russia from August 16 – September 2, will be played at the Estadio Rafael Murillo Vidal and Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes in the cities of Córdoba and Veracruz, respectively.

Canada, the defending CONCACAF champion, has been grouped with tournament host, Mexico, along with Panama and Trinidad & Tobago in Group A. Meanwhile, Group B has El Salvador, alongside the USA, Jamaica, and Surinam.

The Group A matches will take place at the Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes, while the Estadio Rafael Murillo Vidal will stage the first round Group B fixtures.

The winners and runners-up of each group will earn a place in the event’s semifinals at Veracruz’s Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes on January 25, with the winners of the semifinal games earning a place as CONCACAF representatives in FIFA’s U-20 Women’s World Championship.

CONCACAF’s third spot in the FIFA event will be determined by a third-place play-off game between the two losing semifinalists at the Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes on January 27, before the two finalists meet for the CONCACAF Women’s U-20 crown later in the day.

Roster – Canada U20 Women’s National Team
Player Pos. DOB Caps* G/S* Club Hometown

Adams, Paige F 02/06/90 0 0 Coquitlam City Port Coquitlam, BC
Alexander, Molly M 01/11/86 0 0 Washington State University Vancouver, BC
Beckles, Vonya D/M 04/10/89 0 0 Albert Campbell Collegiate Scarborough, ON
Cicchini, Amanda M 02/28/87 13 1 Toronto Lady Lynx/West Virginia Univ. Oakville, ON

Collison, Lisa F 10/02/86 8 1 Ohio State Niagara Falls, On
Hingwing, Eden D 06/11/88 0 0 NTC-BC Burnaby, BC
Iacchelli, Selenia M 06/05/86 15 2 University of Nebraska Edmonton, AB
Jamani, Aysha F 06/28/87 14 11 University of Nebraska Calgary, AB
Kyle, Kaylen M 10/10/88 0 0 NTC-P Saskatoon, SK
Labbe, Stephanie GK 10/10/86 4 0 University of Connecticut Stoney Plain, AB
Maranda, Véronique M 08/18/86 14 4 U. of Tennessee Saint-Lambert, QC
McNulty, Erin GK 06/03/89 0 0 NTC-P Winnipeg, MB
Radchuck, Katie D 02/27/86 16 0 University of Connecticut Halifax, NS
Robinson, Jodi-Ann F 04/17/89 12 3 NTC-BC/Semiahmoo Spirit Richmond, BC
Rushton, Robin D 01/02/87 0 0 Toronto Lady Lynx/West Virginia U. Toronto, ON
Schmidt, Sophie M 06/28/88 5 0 Vancouver Whitecaps / Surrey United Abbotsford, BC

Scott, Desiree F 07/31/87 0 0 University of Manitoba Winnipeg, MB
Sleiman, Rhreanne F 09/26/89 0 0 NTC-BC North Vancouver, BC
Vanderpool, Caroline M 07/15/86 2 0 Louisiana State Montreal, QC
Zurrer, Emily F/D 07/12/87 11 3 U. of Illinois / Vancouver Whitecaps Crofton, BC

*Caps, Goals, and Shutouts listed above are for U19 matches only. U20 International Matches have not taken place yet

Staff
Ian Bridge - Head coach
Bob Birarda - Assistant coach
Shel Brodsgaard - GK Coach
Kristin Houghton - Doctor
Cassandra Zinkowski - Athletic Therapist
Anne Pellerud - Manager
Even Pellerud - Director of women’s program

CONCACAF U20 Women’s Qualifying Tournament

Group A
Canada
Mexico (Host)
Panama
Trinidad & Tobago

Group B
El Salvador
Jamaica
Surinam
USA

January 18, 2006 @ 12:00 Local Time vs. Trinidad & Tobago
Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes – Veracruz, Mexico

January 20, 2006 @ 12:00 Local Time vs. Panama
Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes – Veracruz, Mexico

January 22, 2006 @ 15:00 Local Time vs. Mexico
Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes – Veracruz, Mexico

Semi-Finals
January 25, 2006 @ 12:00 – 1st Group A vs. 2nd Group B
January 25, 2006 @ 15:00 – 1st Group B vs. 2nd Group A
Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes – Veracruz, Mexico

3rd and 4th Place Game
January 27, 2006 @ 12:00 – Loser Semi-Final 1 vs. Loser Semi-Final 2
Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes – Veracruz, Mexico

Final
January 27, 2006 @ 15:00 – Winner Semi-Final 1 vs. Winner Semi-Final 2
Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes – Veracruz, Mexico

[Joe MacCarthy]

U20 women combines vets, newcomers

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2006/01/11/1389660-cp.html

OTTAWA (CP) - The team Canada will send to the qualifying tournament for the women's under-20 world championships will be a mixture of veterans and promising newcomers.

The team, announced Wednesday, has 11 players that participated in 2004 world championships, including Kara Lang, 19, of Oakville, Ont., the 2005 Canadian Soccer Association youth player of the year. The roster also includes Paige Adams, a 15-year-old forward from Port Coquitlam, B.C.

Head coach Ian Bridge said Lang, a veteran of the 2003 women's World Cup and the last two U19 world championships, will be called upon to lead by example.

The Jan. 18-27 tournament will be played in Veracruz and Cordoba, Mexico. All of Canada's matches will be held in Veracruz for all of its matches.

The top three teams from the 10-team tournament will represent the region at this summer's under-20 world championship in Russia.

Other veterans on the team include Veronique Maranda, a midfielder from Saint-Lambert, Que.; Katie Radchuck, a defender from Halifax; Emily Zurrer, a forward from Crofton, B.C.; Amanda Cicchini, a midfielder from Oakville, Ont.; Jodi-Ann Robinson, a forward from Richmond, B.C.; Aysha Jamani, a forward from Calgary; Sophie Schmidt, a midfielder from Abbotsford, B.C.; Erin McNulty, a goalkeeper from Winnipeg; and Stephanie Labbe, a goalie from Stoney Plain, Alta..

"Without a doubt, this is the most important tournament in our program," said Bridge.

"The excitement surrounding a push towards qualifying is always electric but with that comes loads of pressure to make sure we are there in Russia this summer.

"With the players we have available and the experience of this squad, our focus is clearly on gaining one of the three places. But if we can win the tournament, it should help us with a favourable seeding this summer."

[Becks]

Good read... Can you post the rankings of Women's national teams?

[Joe MacCarthy]

Canada Looks to Defend CONCACAF Title

http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2377

http://www.canadasoccer.com/images/media/u19_concacaf_w.jpg
Canada’s U19 Team - CONCACAF Champions in 2004

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s U20 Women’s team Head Coach, Ian Bridge, has released his roster of 20 players for the upcoming CONCACAF U20 Women’s Qualifying Tournament. The tournament is scheduled to take place from January 18-27, 2006 and will be played in Veracruz and Cordoba, Mexico.

Canada will arrive in Mexico on January 14 and will be based in Veracruz for all of its matches.

The CONCACAF qualification tournament will determine the region’s three representatives for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Championship in Russia this summer.

The Canadians, U19 CONCACAF Champions two years ago en route to a berth in the World Championships in Thailand, will be bolstered by a squad that boasts eleven players that participated in 2004 World Championships.

The most recognizable name would be 2005 CSA Youth Player of the Year, Kara Lang.

Lang, a veteran of the 2003 Women’s World Cup and the last two U19 World Championships will be called upon by Bridge and his staff to lead by example in Mexico.

Another veteran of Canada’s senior squad and Canada’s captain during the U19 CONCACAF Qualifying in 2004, Veronique Maranda, will also be asked to provide much needed leadership on and off the field.

But the list of returning players is also quite impressive – Katie Radchuck, Emily Zurrer, Amanda Cicchini, Jodi-Ann Robinson, Aysha Jamani, Sophie Schmidt, Erin McNulty, and Stephanie Labbe.

The above list of players has an impressive total of 29 senior caps and 8 goals but when you add Lang and Maranda to the mix, the statistics reveal an eye-popping 91 senior caps and 32 goals.

Canada has yet to lose a single qualifying match at the U19 level (now U20) (5-0-0) and have out-scored their opponents 20-1.

Canada’s competitive (FIFA and CONCACAF Tournaments) record since the U19 age group (now an U20 tournament) was created is a remarkable 12 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw. The Canadians have outscored their opponents 45-14 while blanking their opposition 7 times (4 times in CONCACAF Qualifying).

'Without a doubt, this is the most important tournament in our program,' said Head Coach Ian Bridge.

'The excitement surrounding a push towards qualifying is always electric but with that comes loads of pressure to make sure we are there in Russia this summer.

'The changes to the age-group, while at first may seem cosmetic, will probably have a marked effect on the tournament simply because there will be a handful of more experienced players that have played at this level - especially with teams like Mexico and the USA who will likely prove to be the biggest threats.

'But with the players we have available and the experience of this squad, our focus is clearly on gaining one of the three places but if we can win the tournament, it should help us with a favourable seeding this summer.'

Tournament Schedule

Group A
Canada
Mexico
Panama
Trinidad and Tobago

January 18 - CANADA vs. TRINIDAD & TOBAGO - Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes - 12:00

January 18 - MEXICO vs. PANAMA - Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes - 15:00
January 20 - PANAMA vs. CANADA - Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes - 12:00
January 20 - MEXICO vs. TRINIDAD & TOBAGO - Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes - 15:00

January 22 - TRINIDAD & TOBAGO vs. PANAMA - Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes - 12:00

January 22 - MEXICO vs. CANADA-Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes - 15:00

Group B
El Salvador
Jamaica
Surinam
USA

January 19 - EL SALVADOR vs. SURINAM - Estadio Rafael Murrillo Vidal - 12:00
January 19 - USA vs. JAMAICA - Estadio Rafael Murrillo Vidal - 14:30
January 21 - JAMAICA vs. EL SALVADOR - Estadio Rafael Murrillo Vidal - 12:00
January 21 - SURINAM vs. USA - Estadio Rafael Murrillo Vidal - 14:30
January 23 - JAMAICA vs. SURINAM - Estadio Rafael Murrillo Vidal - 12:00
January 23 - USA vs. EL SALVADOR - Estadio Rafael Murrillo Vidal - 14:30

Semi-finals

January 25 - A1 vs. B2 - Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes - 12:00
January 25 - B1 vs. A2 - Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes - 15:00

Finals

January 27 - THIRD-PLACE GAME - Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes - 12:00
January 27 – CHAMPIONSHIP GAME - Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes - 15:00

CANADA’S ROSTER

Player POS DOB Caps G/S Club Hometown
Adams, Paige F 02/06/1990 0 0 Coquitlam City Port Coquitlam, BC
Alexander, Molly M 01/11/1986 0 0 Washington State University Vancouver, BC
Cicchini, Amanda M 2/28/1987 13 1 West Virginia University Oakville, ON
Collison, Lisa F 10/02/1986 8 1 Ohio State Niagara Falls, ON
Hingwing, Eden D 06/11/1988 0 0 NTC BC Burnaby, BC
Iacchelli, Selenia M 06/05/1986 15 2 University of Nebraska Edmonton, AB
Jamani, Aysha F 6/28/1987 14 11 University of Nebraska Calgary, AB
Kyle, Kaylyn M 10/06/1988 0 0 NTC Prairies Saskatoon, SK
Labbe, Stephanie GK 10/10/1986 4 0 University of Connecticut Stoney Plain, AB
Lang, Kara D/M/F 10/22/1986 30 11 Vancouver Whitecaps / UCLA Oakville, ON
Maranda, Véronique M 8/18/1986 14 4 University of Tennessee Saint-Lambert, QC
McNulty, Erin GK 06/03/1989 0 0 NTCP Winnipeg, MB
Radchuck, Katie D 2/27/1986 16 0 University of Connecticut Halifax, NS
Robinson, Jodi-Ann F 4/17/1989 12 3 NTC BC Richmond, BC
Rushton, Robin D 01/02/1987 0 0 Toronto Lady Lynx/West Virginia University Toronto, ON
Schmidt, Sophie M 6/28/1988 5 0 Vancouver Whitecaps / Surrey United Abbotsford, BC
Scott, Desiree F 7/31/1987 0 0 Univeristy of Manitoba/NTC Prairies Winnipeg, MB
Sleiman, Rhreanne F 9/26/1989 0 0 NTC BC North Vancouver, BC
Vanderpool, Caroline M 7/15/1986 2 0 Louisiana State Montreal, QC
Zurrer, Emily F/D 07/12/1987 11 3 University of Illinois / Vancouver Whitecaps Crofton, BC

Staff
Andy Sharpe - Head of Delegation
Ian Bridge - Head coach
Bob Birarda - Assistant coach
Shel Brodsgaard - GK-coach
Cathy Campbell - Doctor
Cassandra Zinkowski - Athletic Therapist
Holly Mair - Massage Therapist/Equipment Manager
Anne Pellerud - Manager

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women's Under-20 Team
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Canada Cruises Past Soca Warriors

http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2379

http://www.canadasoccer.com/images/media/schmidt_action_w.jpg
Captain Sophie Schmidt leads Canada to victory

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s U20 Women’s National Team began its road to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship by doing just what was expected of them today when they dispatched of Trinidad and Tobago 7-1 in Veracruz, Mexico.

Canada almost found themselves down a goal inside the opening ten minutes when an indirect free kick from the top of the Canadian area sailed untouched into the back of the net. But the Panamanian referee correctly waved off the goal immediately.

The scare of going a goal down seemed to awaken the Canadians and shortly after, Lisa Collison started things rolling when she received a quickly taken free kick from the always clever Veronique Maranda and coolly slid her shot past the T&T ‘keeper for the opener.

Maranda, Aysha Jamani and Jodi-Ann Robinson then stretched the lead to four when they found the back of the net thrice in twelve minutes, virtually dashing any hopes the Soca Warriors had of stealing points in the tournament opener.

But it was Maranda’s goal that drew the most attention.

The University of Tennessee midfielder coaxed two T&T defenders toward her near the end-line, just outside the penalty area, then spun the first and chipped the ball just beyond the second. Before either could react, the St-Lambert native slammed her shot into the upper corner to the approval of everyone at the ground.

Though Trinidad & Tobago grabbed a goal back from the penalty spot in minute 57, the Canadians tacked on another three goals courtesy of two second half substitutes.

Kaylen Kyle reignited Canada’s offense in minute 78, and the pacy Rheanne Sleiman rounded off the contest with a brace in the final eight minutes.

“An energizing, offensive start to the tournament” was the way Canadian Head Coach Ian Bridge described the opener.

“We utilized our quick passing and our fast thinking strikers today and probably should have scored more than seven goals.

“Trinidad & Tobago challenged us with their pace and athleticism as well as a more direct approach in attack, but as long as we can continue to improve game to game, this young squad will be hard to beat.”

In the second Group A match, Mexico hammered Panama 10-0.

Canada will now prepare for its second match of the opening round against Panama on Friday, January 20 while tournament host-Mexico entertain Trinidad & Tobago in the second match of the day.

Wednesday, January 18, 2006
CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Final Round Qualification
Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes
Veracruz, Mexico

CANADA – 7 (4)
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO – 1 (0)
Goals: CANADA – Collison 17, Maranda 23, Jamani 29, Robinson 35, Kyle 78, Sleiman 82, 90; TRINIDAD & TOBAGO – Douglas 59 (pen)
Cautions: CANADA – Maranda 55, Kyle 88; TRINIDAD & TOBAGO – unavailable 25
Expulsions – none

CANADA: 1-Stephanie Labbe; 3-Sophie Schmidt (capt); 4-Caroline Vanderpool; 7-Jodi-Ann Robinson (6-Kaylen Kyle, 65); 8-Véronique Maranda; 10-Amanda Cicchini; 11-Desiree Scott; 14-Aysha Jamani (5-Emily Zurrer, 87); 16-Paige Adams; 18-Eden Hingwing; 19-Lisa Collison (13-Rheanne Sleiman, 65)
Head Coach: Ian Bridge (CAN)
Subs not used: 2-Katie Radchuck; 9-Selenia Iacchelli; 12-Robin Rushton; 15-Kara Lang; 17-Molly Alexander; 20-Erin McNulty

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship Russia 2006

The winners and runners-up of each group will earn a place in the event’s semifinals at Veracruz’s Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes on 25 January, with the winners of the semifinal games earning a place as CONCACAF representatives in FIFA’s U-20 Women’s World Championship in Russia this summer.

CONCACAF’s third spot in the FIFA event will be determined by a third-place play-off game between the two losing semifinalists at the Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes on 27 January, before the two finalists meet for the CONCACAF Women’s U-20 crown later in the day.

This is the first time that CONCACAF has staged a qualifying event for the Women’s U-20 World Championship. The other CONCACAF Women’s Youth Tournaments were at the U-19 level in Trinidad & Tobago and Canada in 2002 and 2004, respectively.

Canada not only hosted the inaugural World Championships in 2002 but finished second to the USA, losing on a ‘golden goal’ in front of a sold-out crowd at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium.

The Canadians also won the 2004 CONCACAF Qualifying tournament, turning the tables on the American’s in this final after scoring the winner in extra time at Ottawa’s Frank Clair Stadium. The team went on to the World Championships in Thailand later that year, eventually bowing out to China in the quarter-finals.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women's Under-20 Team
Friday, January 20, 2006
Canada Blanks Panama 6-0
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2380

http://www.canadasoccer.com/images/media/robinson_action_w.jpg
Jodi-Ann Robinson Scores Hat trick

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s U20 Women’s National Team continued their defence of the CONCACAF title with a 6-0 win over Panama in the opening round of Women’s U20 CONCACAF Qualifying in Veracruz, Mexico. Canada defeated Trinidad and Tobago 7-1 on Wednesday.

Canadian forward, Aysha Jamani started the rout in the seventh minute and doubled her tally in the 50th minute.

Leading the Canadian assault was Richmond, BC native, Jodi-Ann Robinson. The striker netted a hat trick with goals in the 17, 72, and 79th minutes.

Eden Hingwing of Burnaby, BC scored her first international goal in the 28th minute.

Canada will play their last game of the first round on Sunday, January 22nd against host-Mexico.

'Like the T&T game, we had a lot of chances that could have easily meant more goals,” said Canadian Head Coach Ian Bridge. “It’s a tad frustrating not to have scored more because there’s a chance that our group could be decided by goal difference. But in the end, we secured the three points and will now look to get all three points from the Mexico game on Sunday.'

'But, I must say that I was much happier with the way our defence played today. We didn’t allow a single goal chance in the entire match and if we can carry that type of play into Sunday, I’ll be happy.'

Canada will play their last game of the first round on Sunday, January 22nd against host-Mexico.

Friday, January 20, 2006
CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Final Round Qualification
Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes
Veracruz, Mexico

CANADA – 6 (3)
PANAMA – 0 (0)
Goals: CANADA – Jamani (7, 50), Robinson (17, 72, 79), Hingwing (28)
Cautions: - none
Expulsions – none

CANADA: 20-Erin McNulty; 3-Sophie Schmidt (C); 4-Caroline Vanderpool; 7-Jodi-Ann Robinson; 8-Veronique Maranda (6-Kaylyn Kyle, 60); 10-Amanda Cicchini; 11-Desiree Scott; 14-Aysha Jamani; 16-Paige Adams; 18-Eden Hingwing (5-Emily Zurrer, 80); 19-Lisa Collison (13-Rhreanne Sleiman, 70)
Head Coach: Ian Bridge
Subs not used: 1-Stephanie Labbe; 2-Katie Radchuck; 9-Selenia Iacchelli; 12-Robin Rushton; 15-Kara Lang; 17-Molly Alexander

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women's Under-20 Team
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Canada Too Much For Mexico
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2381

Captain Sophie Schmidt's brace sees off tricolores

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s U20 Women’s National Team continued their run toward the CONCACAF title after a 3-2 victory over tournament hosts Mexico. The win means Canada tops Group A and will now await their semi-final opponent.

And it didn’t take long for Canada to find the net and the scorer was really no surprise.

It took Canada’s Kara Lang approximately a minute to influence the qualifying tournament.

Fifteen minutes later Canadian captain Sophie Schmidt stretched Canada’s lead to two.

The tricolores grabbed a goal back in minute 22 from the penalty spot but Schmidt netted her second to stretch the lead back to two, minutes after the restart.

Mexico pressed forward to try to get back into the contest and made things interesting in minute 74 when Veronica Corral pulled a goal back.

But the comeback was not to be and Canada walked off the field with all three valuable points and first place in the group.

Canada now enters the final phase of the tournament, searching for a place in the World Championships in Russia this summer. The Canucks will in all likelihood play Jamaica on January 25 but before the Reggae Girlz can start preparing for Canada, they will have to contend with Surinam tomorrow afternoon. A Jamaican win (and assuming that the USA will defeat debutant El Salvador) would assure second place in Group B and set up the clash with Canada. A Surinam win would find all three even on points and would mean goals for and against will be vital.

Sunday, January 22, 2006
CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Final Round Qualification
Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes
Veracruz, Mexico

CANADA – 3 (2)
MEXICO – 2 (1)
Goals: CANADA – Lang 1, Schmidt 16, 48; MEXICO – Ocampo 22, Corral 74
Cautions: - none
Expulsions – none

CANADA: 20-Erin McNulty; 3-Sophie Schmidt (capt); 4-Caroline Vanderpool; 7-Jodi-Ann Robinson; 8-Veronique Maranda; 10-Amanda Cicchini; 11-Desiree Scott; 14-Aysha Jamani; 15-Kara Lang; 16-Paige Adams; 5-Emily Zurrer
Head Coach: Ian Bridge
Subs not used: 1-Stephanie Labbe; 2-Katie Radchuck; 6-Kaylen Kyle; 9-Selenia Iacchelli; 12-Robin Rushton; 13-Reanner Sleiman; 17-Molly Alexander; ; 18-Eden Hingwing; 19-Lisa Collison

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women's Under-20 Team
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Canada Qualifies For World Championship
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2384

http://www.canadasoccer.com/images/media/wu20_team_concacaf06.jpg
Canada’s starting line-up against the Reggae Girlz
Photo: David Hernandez/CSA

Canada’s U-20 Women’s National Team will be attending their third straight World Championships thanks to a hard fought 2-1 win today over Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz in the semi final of CONCACAF’s Women’s U-20 Qualifying Tournament in Veracruz, Mexico.

The Canadians now await the winners of the Mexico - USA clash, scheduled to take place at 4pm ET, to determine the CONCACAF Champion.

In the opening half, both teams struggled to find the form that got them to the semi-finals and for much of the first forty-five minutes, were mired in a rough and tumble battle for control of the midfield.

But just when it appeared as though both teams would be heading to the locker rooms even, the Canadians finally broke the deadlock thanks to Selenia Iacchelli. The Edmonton native was making her first appearance in the tournament and certainly made it count.

Fifteen minutes after the re-start though, things were even again thanks to Jamaican Kimmia Parker. Parker’s free kick from approximately 35 yards out was a laser into the top corner that Canadian keeper Erin McNulty got a hand to, but couldn’t do enough to keep the shot out.

The Canadians would have none of that however and just four minutes after giving up the equalizer, second half substitute Lisa Collison netted her second of the tournament – and the eventual match winner that would seal Canada’s place in the World Championships in Russia this summer.

The Jamaicans did have one last chance to draw level again in the dying seconds of the match, but just as she had done three days ago against Mexico, McNulty pulled off a wonderful save to preserve the lead and the spot in the final.

“A very tough game against a decent Jamaican side that played very well today” was the way Head Coach Ian Bridge summed up the match.

“We looked quite nervous from the start today but I think if we had of grabbed a second goal – and we certainly had chances to – then we could have scored three, maybe four but once they scored the equalizer it was a different game.

“To be fair, we have never really been at our best here despite some of the lop-sided scores. We have had spells of solid team play but have yet to play to our full potential. Having said that, I am happy with the way we have defended and in the latter portions of the game that was a definite necessity.

“But we are in the World Championships this summer and I am extremely proud of what the players and the staff have accomplished.”

Note: Kaylen Kyle picked up her second caution of the tournament and will now miss the final on Friday, January 27.

Wednesday, January 25, 2006
CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Final Round Qualification – Semi Final
Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes
Veracruz, Mexico

CANADA – 2 (1)
JAMAICA – 1 (0)
Goals: CANADA – Iacchelli 44, Collison 69; JAMAICA – Parker 65
Cautions: - Kyle 60 (will miss final)
Expulsions – none

CANADA: 20-Erin McNulty; 3-Sophie Schmidt (capt); 4-Caroline Vanderpool; 6-Kaylen Kyle; 8-Veronique Maranda; 9-Selenia Iacchelli (19-Lisa Collison, 55); 10-Amanda Cicchini; 11-Desiree Scott; 14-Aysha Jamani; 15-Kara Lang (13-Rheanne Sleiman, 68); 18-Eden Hingwing
Head Coach: Ian Bridge
Subs not used: 1-Stephanie Labbe; 2-Katie Radchuck; 5-Emily Zurrer; 7-Jodi-Ann Robinson (susp); 12-Robin Rushton; 16-Paige Adams; 17-Molly Alexander

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women's Under-20 Team
Friday, January 27, 2006
Canada Unable to Defend CONCACAF Title

http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2387

http://www.canadasoccer.com/images/media/jamani_action_w.jpg
Aysha Jamani scores Canada’s first goal

Ottawa, Ontario – After qualifying for their third straight World Championships with a 2-1 semi-final win against Jamaica on Wednesday, Canada’s U-20 Women’s National Team today were unable to retain the CONCACAF title after a 3-2 loss to the United States in the final played in Veracruz, Mexico.

Canada played in a 4-5-1 formation with Jodi-Ann Robinson as the lone forward. The Americans began the match in a 4-4-2 formation.

The Americans took the lead in the eighth minute after Jordan Angeli sent a cross from the right side to Kelly O’Hara who then fired from 16 yards out. Canadian keeper Erin McNulty made the save, but Amy Rodriguez collected the rebound and sent the ball into the net from two yards out.

The Americans were forced to play short a player in the 41st minute after Carrie Dew was sent off after committing a very hard foul on Robinson, earning her second yellow of the match. The Americans shifted their formation to 4-3-2 hoping to maintain the lead until the half-time break.

The young Canucks then looked to capitalize on their advantage but found no reward despite creating multiple opportunities in the dying minutes of the half.

After the break, Canada equalized the score with their first shot of the half in the 57th minute. Calgary native, Aysha Jamani collected the ball on the right flank and cut into the middle towards the top of the box for a perfectly placed 25-yard blast past the American keeper Kelsey Davis.

Canada then pushed for the lead, and in the 61st minute, Jamani worked behind the American defence and dribbled into the goal area. She then laid a pass back to the middle of the box where Robinson collected the pass and sent the ball into the empty net for a 2-1 lead.

Canada continued with multiple attempts hoping to run up the score, but the Americans, unwilling to rest, equalized in the 71st minute with a 12-yard shot by Jessica Rostedt.

In the 82nd minute, it was the Americans who regained the lead and their first Women’s U-20 CONCACAF title as Lindsay Beam slipped a pass behind the Canadian defence to Lauren Cheney. Canada looked for the offside call, but Cheney continued to work into a position to go one on one with McNulty and scored from six-yards out.

“I’m proud of how the team played throughout the tournament,” said Head Coach Ian Bridge following the match. “I can’t be disappointed as we played our best game in the tournament against a very good US team.”

“Overall, a great game of soccer.”

In the third place match played earlier in the day, host-Mexico defeated Jamaica 4-1 to earn CONCACAF’s third spot in the FIFA World Championship.

Friday, January 27, 2006
CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Final Round Qualification – Final
Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes
Veracruz, Mexico

CANADA – 2 (0)
USA – 3 (1)
Goals: CANADA – Jamani 57, Robinson 61; USA – Rodriguez 8, Rostedt 71, Cheney 82
Cautions: CANADA - Schmidt 26; USA – Drew 31 & 41, Beam 90+
Expulsions: USA - Dew 41
CANADA: 20-Erin McNulty; 3-Sophie Schmidt (capt); 4-Caroline Vanderpool; 7-Jodi-Ann Robinson; 8-Veronique Maranda; 10-Amanda Cicchini; 11-Desiree Scott; 14-Aysha Jamani; 15-Kara Lang (19-Lisa Collison, 46); 16-Paige Adams (5-Emily Zurrer, 90); 18-Eden Hingwing (13-Rheanne Sleiman, 87)
Head Coach: Ian Bridge
Subs not used: 1-Stephanie Labbe; 2-Katie Radchuck; 6-Kaylen Kyle (susp); 9-Selenia Iacchelli; 12-Robin Rushton; 17-Molly Alexander

2006 CONCACAF UNDER-20 WOMEN’S FINAL ROUND QUALIFICATION - MEXICO
January 18-27, 2006

Estadio Rafael Murillo Vidal – Córdoba, Veracruz
Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes – Veracruz, Veracruz

FIRST ROUND
Group A
Country / GP / W / L / T / F:A / PTS
Canada / 3 / 3 / 0 / 0 / 16:3 / 9
Mexico / 3 / 2 / 1 / 0 / 14:3 / 6
T & T / 3 / 1 / 2 / 0 / 4:10 / 3
Panama / 3 / 0 / 3 / 0 / 1:19 / 0

18.01.2006
CANADA - TRINIDAD & TOBAGO / 7:1 (4:0)
MEXICO - PANAMA / 10:0 (3:0)
20.01.2006
PANAMA - CANADA / 0:6 (0:3)
MEXICO - TRINIDAD & TOBAGO / 2:0 (2:0)

22.01.2006
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO - PANAMA Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes 3:1 (2:0)
MEXICO - CANADA Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes 2:3 (1:2)

Semifinals/Semifinales
25.01.2006
CANADA - JAMAICA / 2:1 (1:0)
USA - MEXICO / 3:0 (1:0)

Finals/Finales
27.01.2006
3rd Place: MEXICO - JAMAICA / Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes / 4:1 (1:1)
1st Place: CANADA - USA / Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes / 2 :3 (0:1)

* Canada, USA, and Mexico qualify to the 2006 FIFA Women’s U-20 World Championship in Russia from August 16 – September 2, 2006

Top Goal Scorers (All Players with two or more goals)

Player (Country) / Goals
Verónica CORRAL (MEX) / 8
Jodi-Ann ROBINSON (CAN) / 5
Kimmia PARKER (JAM) / 4
Lauren CHENEY (USA) / 4
Aysha JAMANI (CAN) / 4
Amy RODRIGUEZ (USA) / 4
Maylee ATTIN-JOHNSON (TRI) / 3
Kenesha REID (JAM) / 3
Venicia REID (JAM) / 3
Jessica ROSTEDT (USA) / 3
Brittany Bock (USA) / 2
Patricia CAMPOS (SLV) / 2
Patricia CARDONA (SLV) / 2
Lisa COLLISON (CAN) / 2
Tania MORALES (MEX) / 2
Christine NIEVA (MEX) / 2
Monica OCAMPO (MEX) / 2
Reanner SLEIMAN (CAN) / 2

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship Russia 2006

CONCACAF will be represented by Canada, Mexico, and the United States at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship Russia 2006. Canada and the United States qualified after placing first in their respective groups and then winning their semi-final games in CONCACAF Qualifying. Qualifying host, Mexico earned the final third spot after defeating Jamaica in the third place match.

This is the first time that CONCACAF has staged a qualifying event for the Women’s U-20 World Championship. The other CONCACAF Women’s Youth Tournaments were at the U-19 level in Trinidad & Tobago and Canada in 2002 and 2004, respectively.

Canada not only hosted the inaugural World Championships in 2002 but finished second to the USA, losing on a ‘golden goal’ in front of a sold-out crowd at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium.

The Canadians also won the 2004 CONCACAF Qualifying tournament, turning the tables on the American’s in this final after scoring the winner in extra time at Ottawa’s Frank Clair Stadium. The team went on to the World Championships in Thailand later that year, eventually bowing out to China in the quarter-finals.

[Joe MacCarthy]

World record for Canada?
By NEIL DAVIDSON

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2006/01/26/1413257-cp.html

Canada's Kara Lang, right, battles Jamaica's Julie Fearon. Lang scored just four seconds into Canada's 3-2 win over Mexico on Sunday. (CPimages/ AP/David Hernandez)

(CP) - Thanks to quick-thinking Kara Lang, Canadian soccer may be about to enter the record books.

The 19-year-old from Oakville, Ont., scored just four seconds into Canada's 3-2 win over Mexico on Sunday in a CONCACAF world under-20 qualifying tournament in Veracruz, Mexico.

Jodi-Ann Robinson tapped the ball to Lang at the opening kickoff and Lang hoofed it 50 yards down the field - and over the Mexican goalie's head.

"Before the game I just said to her 'If you see the goalkeeper off her line, try a shot,"' Canadian coach Ian Bridge said Thursday from Veracruz. "I know she can shoot that far. It's just a case of hitting the target.

"And I remember very clearly that the goalie was standing about the penalty spot. And I could see the way she (Lang) was shaping up at the kickoff, that she knew exactly what she was going to do."

Bridge said he initially thought the ball was going to go over, only to see it drop in.

"It's nice to have a lead after four seconds," he said with a chuckle.

The strategy is "something I would tell every player on every kickoff. Where's the goalkeeper?" Bridge said.

Lang, a star freshman at UCLA last season who debuted for the full Canadian team at age 15, is blessed with a myriad soccer skills including a howitzer-like leg. She has hammered home a few long-range efforts in her 23 goals for the senior national team and 12 for the under-20 side. But none quite like this.

Kevan Pipe, COO of the Canadian Soccer Association, said Thursday in Toronto that the CSA has asked FIFA whether four seconds is a world record for an international.

A goal at the 11-second mark by Turkey's Hakan Sukur - against South Korea in 2002 - is the fastest in World Cup play.

Even faster was a goal seven seconds into a 1993 World Cup qualifier between England and San Marino. Unbelievably, the goal was scored by San Marino's David Gaultieri although England rallied to win 7-1.

There have been reports of faster goals at the club level, including one after 2 1/2 seconds in a non-league match cited as a world record by England's Football Association.

The goal was scored the same way Lang did.

"The fastest goal that the FA is aware of is one scored after 2.5 seconds, claimed by Marc Burrows, playing for Cowes Sports Reserves against Eastleigh Reserves at Eastleigh on April 3, 2004," the FA says on its website. "This claim is supported by the referee, John Sorrell.

"It is normal to use the word 'claimed' when there is no filmed evidence. The FA knows of two goals scored after four seconds that were captured on film. Two-point-five seconds may not seem long enough to complete the manoeuvre described by the referee in his report - but we appreciate that there was an exceptionally strong wind."

Quoted in the FA website, Burrows said: "The wind was strong and the ball just sailed over their poor 'keeper. I was so stunned I didn't really celebrate. I just put my arms in the air and burst out laughing."

"I have tried something similar once or twice," he added, "but it normally goes out for a throw-in and I feel like a right prat."

In September 2003, Canadian Dwayne DeRosario scored the fastest goal in MLS history, connecting for the San Jose Earthquakes after just 11 seconds against Dallas.

The Canadian women wrap up the under-20 tournament against the U.S. in the final Friday. Both teams have already qualified for the world under-20 championships in Russia this summer, but the CONCACAF champion will be rewarded with a more favourable draw.

[mrdeeds]

IMO, it's a record, no doubt. Congrats to the CNW U-20 Side!:horn:

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s U-20 Team
Friday, April 07, 2006
U20 Women to Play Brazil & USA in Rio
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2417

http://www.canadasoccer.com/images/media/bridge_action1.jpg
Ian Bridge

Ottawa, Ontario – Ian Bridge, head coach of Canada’s U-20 Women’s National Team, has released his 18-woman roster for his upcoming training camp in Teresópolis (70km northeast of Rio de Janeiro), Brazil from April 13-25, 2006.

Bridge’s squad is scheduled to play four international friendlies over the 12-day camp – two games against the U-20 teams from Brazil sandwiched between another two against CONCACAF rivals USA. Canada will play Brazil on April 17 and 22 and the USA on April 15 and 23.

"This will be our first time together since the qualifying tournament in January,” said Canadian U-20 Head Coach Ian Bridge. “We finished that tournament with a positive performance, but a negative result (2-3 loss to USA in final). But, the group became a "team" in Mexico, and we are excited to get together again.”

“The camp will begin our phase of international "friendlies" to prepare the team ultimately for the World Championships in Russia this summer. I am delighted to be going to one of the great soccer countries of the world, and playing two of the world's best U-20 women's teams: Brazil and the U.S. I would rank these two, along with Germany as the top teams at this level at the moment.

“Every time you play a team of Brazil's or the USA's caliber, you learn and develop as a player. That will be the focus for this camp: experience and education against the best.

“Having said that, we will need to be at our best, or close to our best to get positive results against these two teams over four games."

Matches
April 15 - CANADA vs. USA – Teresópolis, Brazil – 3:00 pm
April 17 - CANADA vs. Brazil – Teresópolis, Brazil – 3:00 pm
April 22 - CANADA vs. Brazil – Teresópolis, Brazil – 3:00 pm
April 23 - CANADA vs. USA – Teresópolis, Brazil – 11:00 am

Roster

Player POS DOB Caps G/S Club Hometown
Adams, Paige F 02/06/1990 4 0 Coquitlam City Port Coquitlam, BC
Anoop Josan M 04/04/1988 0 0 Northwest United Edmonton, AB
Beckles, Vonya D/M 04/10/1989 0 0 NTC Ontario Scarborough, ON
Gagne, Adreanne M 9/22/1988 0 0 Conquerants de Laval U18 AAA Saint-Hyacinthe, QC
Hingwing, Eden D 06/11/1988 4 1 NTC BC Burnaby, BC
Iacchelli, Selenia M/F 06/05/1986 16 3 University of Nebraska Edmonton, AB
Jamani, Aysha F 6/28/1987 19 15 U. of Nebraska Calgary, AB
Kyle, Kaylyn M 10/06/1988 3 1 NTC Prairies Saskatoon, SK
Labbe, Stephanie GK 10/10/1986 5 0 University of Connecticut Stoney Plain, AB
Maranda, Véronique M 8/18/1986 19 7 U. of Tennessee Saint-Lambert, QC
McNulty, Erin GK 06/03/1989 4 1 NTCP Winnipeg, MB
Radchuck, Katie D 2/27/1986 16 0 University of Connecticut Halifax, NS
Robinson, Jodi-Ann F 4/17/1989 16 8 NTC BC Richmond, BC
Schmidt, Sophie M 6/28/1988 10 2 Vancouver Whitecaps / Surrey Utd. Abbotsford, BC
Scott, Desiree D/M 7/31/1987 6 0 U. of Manitoba / NTC Prairies Winnipeg, MB
Shacher, Karla F 11/17/88 0 0 NTC Prairies Tofield, AB
Sleiman, Rheanne F 9/26/1989 4 2 NTC BC North Vancouver, BC
Vanderpool, Caroline M 7/15/1986 7 0 Louisiana State Montreal, QC

Staff
Ian Bridge, Head coach
Bob Birarda, Assistant coach
Shel Brodsgaard, GK-coach
Kristin Houghton, Doctor
Cassandra Zinkowski, Athletic Therapist
Anne Pellerud, Manager

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s U-20 Team
April 18, 2006
Canada’s U-20s Undefeated in Brazil
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2426

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s U-20 Women’s National Team’s recent run of good form has been carried into the team’s latest set of International Friendlies against CONCACAF powerhouse USA and perennial CONMEBOL champions Brazil in Teresopolis, Brazil.

Canada had to fight back twice from a goal down in it’s opener against the USA on April 15. First it was Rheanne Sleiman’s equalizer in the 57th minute that cancelled out the USA’s first half opener.

The USA regained the advantage just after the hour mark but a late strike from Lorendana Riverso in the waning moments of the game drew the teams’ level and that was how it stayed.

Following the match, Canada’s Head Coach, Ian Bridge, praised his team for their performance.

“I thought the team showed tremendous spirit and determination in coming back from a goal down – on two occasions.”

“Against a very skilled and strong passing team we pressed them higher than we did in Mexico (CONCACAF Qualifying Tournament Final in January 2006) and both our goals came from this tactic.

“Both strikers – Rheanne and Lorendana – finished their chances brilliantly. This was vital in a tight tactical game such as this one. While there were no great individual performances today, we played a very good team game and that is a great start to our time here in Brazil.”

And Bridge’s comments would prove to be prophetic two days later.

The Canadians faced a talented Brazil team on April 17 and the characteristics Bridge spoke of would prove the difference in the game.

In a match that many thought should have been abandoned, Canada used all of determination and tactical guile to defeat Brazil at home 1-0 courtesy of a 60th minute penalty from Aysha Jamani after Vonya Beckles was dragged down in the Brazilian area.

Canada were dealt a blow with just under ten minutes remaining when Katie Radchuck was dismissed with a straight red, but Canada’s resolve and spirit shone through yet again.

“With the conditions bordering on unplayable, this was never going to be a ‘beautiful game,” said Bridge following the match.

“But, it was definitely a game where tactical decisions, guts, and determination would make the difference under these circumstances.

“We played an excellent game – a full team effort that gave us the three points in the end. There were never going to be many goal chances on a day like this, but when we were awarded the penalty for a clear foul on Vonya (Beckles), Aysha (Jamani) held her nerve and finished the PK clinically.”

“Towards the end of the game with Brazil pressing for the equalizer, we showed great focus in keeping a clean sheet while at the same time ‘using’ the clock when we had possession. For me, this was the perfect type of game for us at this stage of our development.”

Canada will renew acquaintances with both Brazil and the USA this coming weekend. The Canucks are scheduled to take on Brazil again on Saturday, April 22 and the next day, will take on the USA before returning to Canada.

Saturday, April 15, 2006
International Friendly
Teresopolis, Brazil

CANADA – 2 (0)
USA – 2 (1)
Goals: CANADA – Sleiman 57, Riverso 88; USA – Bock 27, Heath 65
Cautions: - none
Expulsions – none

CANADA: 1-Stephanie Labbe; 9-Vonya Beckles; 11-Desiree Scott; 17-Eden Hingwing (Anoop Josan, 64); 4-Caroline Vanderpool; 3-Sophie Schmidt – Captain; 8-Véronique Maranda; 6-Kaylen Kyle; 16-Paige Adams (15-Lorendana Riverso, 68); 5-Karla Schacher (12-Selenia Iacchelli, 59); 13-Rheanne Sleiman (14-Aysha Jamani, 59).

Head Coach: Ian Bridge (CAN)
Subs not used: 20-Erin McNulty; 2-Katie Radchuck; 7-Jodi-Ann Robinson.

Monday, April 17, 2006
International Friendly
Teresopolis, Brazil

CANADA – 1 (0)
BRAZIL – 0 (0)
Goals: CANADA – Jamani 60; BRAZIL – none
Cautions: CANADA – Iacchelli 71, Kyle 74, Labbe 90
Expulsions: CANADA – Radchuck 84

CANADA: 1-Stephanie Labbe; 2-Katie Radchuck; 9-Vonya Beckles; 11-Desiree Scott (5-Karla Schacher, 85), 17-Eden Hingwing; 3-Sophie Schmidt – Captain; 8-Véronique Maranda (10-Anoop Josan, 65); 12-Selenia Iacchelli (13-Rheanne Sleiman, 71); 6-Kaylen Kyle (4-Caroline Vanderpool, 75); 16-Paige Adams (15-Lorendana Riverso, 30); 14-Aysha Jamani

Head Coach: Ian Bridge (CAN)
Subs not used: 20-Erin McNulty; 7-Jodi-Ann Robinson

Remaining Matches
April 22 - CANADA vs. Brazil – Teresópolis, Brazil – 3:00 pm
April 23 - CANADA vs. USA – Teresópolis, Brazil – 11:00 am

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s U-20 Team
Sunday, April 23, 2006
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship Opponents Revealed
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2434

Ottawa, Ontario – Ian Bridge and his U-20 squad now know the path they must take in order to succeed at the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Championships in Russia this summer and what and who they should prepare for – sort of.

The Official Draw for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship Russia 2006 took place following a colourful performance of music and dance in the historic Moscow City Hall yesterday (Saturday, 22 April), pitting hosts Russia against Brazil in the official opener of the tournament on 17 August in St. Petersburg.

Canada was drawn into the very difficult Group B along with China, Finland, and a team from the African zone that has yet to be determined.

Canada’s Head Coach, Ian Bridge, was asked for his thoughts on the draw, hours ahead of Canada’s match against the USA in Brazil.

“I think all the groups are pretty even, with perhaps Group A being the toughest - Russia, Brazil and Australia are all strong and could make an impact later in the tournament.”

“For us (Group B), of course China is the team we will want to beat - remembering the quarterfinal in Bangkok two years ago. Finland is a well organized European side, and the CAF A team I predict will be Nigeria or South Africa - both teams are talented, athletic and have a touch of unpredictability. Three very different, tough opponents for us, but to aspire to a World Championship you must perform against all types of challenges.”

The Canadians will open the tournament against the ‘yet to be determined qualifier’ from the African Zone on August 17, then round off the opening round games on August 20 and 23 against Finland and China respectively.

For complete results of the draw, please visit FIFA.com.

The competition, which will take place between 17 August and 3 September 2006, will be played in four stadiums in Moscow (Dinamo, Lokomotiv, Podmoskovie and Torpedo) as well as one in St. Petersburg (Petrovsky) and will feature the top 16 U-20 women’s teams from across all six confederations:

AFC (3 slots): China PR, Korea DPR and Australia
CAF (2 slots): Qualification concludes in June 2006
CONCACAF (3 slots): USA, Canada and Mexico
CONMEBOL (2 slots): Brazil and Argentina
OFC (1 slot): New Zealand
UEFA (host + 4 slots): Russia, France, Germany, Finland and Switzerland

For full competition details, team profiles and more, please visit the official website of the competition on FIFA.com.

Each of the 16 teams, save for the two CAF entrants, who’ve still to be decided, learned their respective first-round fates, and there were certainly more than a few potentially mouth-watering clashes thrown up as the names were pulled from the hat.

Germany and Russia, holders and hosts respectively, along with a handful of countries including Canada, USA, China, and Brazil will be among those with high hopes for the tournament, which is to take place from 17 August to 3 September, with venues in both Moscow and St Petersburg.

For full competition details, team profiles and more, please visit the official website of the competition on FIFA.com.

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship Russia 2006 – GROUPS

Group A
Russia
Brazil
New Zealand
Australia

Group B
China PR
Finland
CAF 1
CANADA

Group C
Switzerland
Mexico
Korea
Germany

Group D
CAF 2
USA
France
Argentina

Group B - Preliminary Matches (all times local)
17 Aug 06 - 16:00 China v Finland - Moscow (Podmoskovie)
17 Aug 06 - 19:00 CAF A v CANADA - Moscow (Podmoskovie)
20 Aug 06 - 16:00 Finland v CANADA - Moscow (Podmoskovie)
20 Aug 06 - 19:00 China v CAF A - Moscow (Podmoskovie)
23 Aug 06 - 19:00 Finland v CAF A - Moscow (Podmoskovie)
23 Aug 06 - 19:00 CANADA v China - Moscow (Torpedo)

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s U-20 Team
Monday, April 24, 2006
Canada’s U-20s End Brazilian Tour with First Loss
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2435

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s U-20 Women’s National Team’s had mixed results in their final two matches of the team’s 12-day training camp in Brazil, drawing with the host nation 1-1 on April 22, then finding themselves on the wrong side of a 4-0 score line after tangling with the US less than 24 hours later.

The results over the weekend mean that Canada finishes the tour with one win, two draws, and one loss in four matches against teams that will certainly fancy their chances for glory come August 2006 when all three travel to Russia for the FIFA U-20 World Championships.

First up were the technically-gifted Brazilians and just like every time these two teams meet, there seems to be very little between the two. And, true to form, the two finished the 90 minutes deadlocked at one.

Canadian Head Coach, Ian Bridge, was again pleased with the performance of his squad.

“Another solid performance against Brazil today. I am really impressed by the teams focus and discipline – both tactically and personally – in tough, competitive games.”

“This was nothing like the ‘water fight’ we had against Brazil earlier in the week. Both teams played exciting, attacking soccer with goal chances almost identical.”

Perhaps the best example of that determination came in the dying moments of the opening half.

The young Canadians pressed forward relentlessly in search of the equalizer and found the tying goal in injury time. Aysha Jamani had worked to turn her defender just inside the box and delivered a cross that appeared to have sailed beyond everyone. Selenia Iacchelli, however, had different plans and the Edmonton-native rose above two Brazilian defenders to head back across the goal toward a supporting Paige Adams, who flung herself at the offering and bundled the ball, defender, and goalkeeper into the back of the net.

The two teams both had chances to break the deadlock but could not breach either goal and the Canadians had done enough to keep their unbeaten run in Brazil intact.

But Canada didn’t have very much time to relish the hard-fought point because they had a date with their CONCACAF rivals, USA, the next day.

The quick turnaround meant playing a second international in less than 24 hours and that proved too difficult for the young Canucks.

The Americans scored two goals on both sides of the halftime break to walk away deserved winners.

“This was a tough game to finish our camp with today,” said Bridge following the match.

“Late in both halves we were making the decisions of tired players – offensively and defensively.

“Having said that, I am very happy with the overall effort and performance of the players over the past 12 days. We had three very strong games and finally a game to remind us there is still lots of work to do.”

Saturday, April 22, 2006
International Friendly Teresopolis, Brazil

CANADA – 1 (1)
BRAZIL – 1 (1)

Goals: CANADA – Adams 44; BRAZIL – Francielle 19 (PK)
Cautions: CANADA – Labbe 19, Maranda 62
Expulsions – none

CANADA: 1-Stephanie Labbe; 9-Vonya Beckles (10-Anoop Josan, 73); 11-Desiree Scott; 17-Eden Hingwing; 4-Caroline Vanderpool; 3-Sophie Schmidt – Captain; 8-Véronique Maranda; 6-Kaylen Kyle; 16-Paige Adams (15-Lorendana Riverso, 60); 14-Aysha Jamani (13-Rheanne Sleiman, 59); 12-Selenia Iacchelli (5-Karla Schacher, 68)

Head Coach: Ian Bridge (CAN)
Subs not used: 20-Erin McNulty; 2-Katie Radchuck; 7-Jodi-Ann Robinson

Sunday, April 23, 2006
International Friendly Teresopolis, Brazil

CANADA – 0 (0)
USA – 4 (2)

Goals: CANADA – none; USA – Cheney 25, Rostedt 44, O’Hara 65, 82
Cautions: CANADA – Schmidt 57; USA – Wagenfuhr 44, O’Hara 75
Expulsions: none

CANADA: 20-Erin McNulty; 11-Desiree Scott (10-Anoop Josan, 46); 17-Eden Hingwing; 4-Caroline Vanderpool; 3-Sophie Schmidt – Capt.; 8-Véronique Maranda; 6-Kaylen Kyle; 16-Paige Adams (5-Karla Schacher, 46); 15-Lorendana Riverso; 12-Selenia Iacchelli; 14-Aysha Jamani.
Head Coach: Ian Bridge (CAN)

Subs not used: 1-Stephanie Labbe; 2-Katie Radchuck; 7-Jodi-Ann Robinson; 9-Vonya Beckles; 13-Rheanne Sleiman

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship Russia 2006

The Official Draw for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship Russia 2006 took place following a colourful performance of music and dance in the historic Moscow City Hall yesterday (Saturday, 22 April), pitting hosts Russia against Brazil in the official opener of the tournament on 17 August in St. Petersburg.

Canada was drawn into the very difficult Group B along with China, Finland, and a team from the African zone that has yet to be determined.

Canada’s Head Coach, Ian Bridge, was asked about his thoughts on the draw, hours ahead of Canada’s match against the USA in Brazil.

“I think all the groups are pretty even, with perhaps Group A being the toughest - Russia, Brazil and Australia are all strong and could make an impact later in the tournament.”

“For us (Group B), of course China is the team we will want to beat - remembering the quarterfinal in Bangkok 2 years ago. Finland is a well organized European side, and the CAF A team I predict will be Nigeria or South Africa - both teams are talented, athletic and have a touch of unpredictability. Three very different, tough opponents for us, but to aspire to a World Championship you must perform against all types of challenges.”

The Canadians will open the tournament against the ‘yet to be determined qualifier’ from the African Zone on August 17, then round off the opening round games on August 20 and 23 against Finland and China respectively.

For complete results of the draw, please visit FIFA.com.

The competition, which will take place between 17 August and 3 September 2006, will be played in four stadiums in Moscow (Dinamo, Lokomotiv, Podmoskovie and Torpedo) as well as one in St. Petersburg (Petrovsky) and will feature the top 16 U-20 women’s teams from across all six confederations:

AFC (3 slots): China PR, Korea DPR and Australia
CAF (2 slots): Qualification concludes in June 2006
CONCACAF (3 slots): USA, Canada and Mexico
CONMEBOL (2 slots): Brazil and Argentina
OFC (1 slot): New Zealand
UEFA (host + 4 slots): Russia, France, Germany, Finland and Switzerland

For full competition details, team profiles and more, please visit the official website of the competition on FIFA.com.

Each of the 16 teams, save for the two CAF entrants, who’ve still to be decided, learned their respective first-round fates, and there were certainly more than a few potentially mouth-watering clashes thrown up as the names were pulled from the hat.

Germany and Russia, holders and hosts respectively, along with a handful of countries including Canada, USA, China, and Brazil will be among those with high hopes for the tournament, which is to take place from 17 August to 3 September, with venues in both Moscow and St Petersburg.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Canadians meet Chinese again
By NEIL DAVIDSON
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2006/04/25/1550132-cp.html

(CP) - It's a draw that could have been easier or could have been more difficult, according to Canadian coach Ian Bridge.

Either way, the Canadian women now know they will be up against China, Finland and Africa 1 (probably Nigeria) when they open first-round play at the world under-20 soccer championships in Russia on Aug. 17.

With the tournament expanding from 12 to 16 teams, Bridge says some a few weaker teams will be along for the ride. "We didn't get any of those in our group," he said.

Instead, Bridge got a tough Chinese side.

"I saw them play about two weeks ago in Malaysia," he said in an interview. "A well-organized skilful team. I didn't think they were the best team in the tournament although they won the tournament."

The Chinese edged North Korea 1-0 in the final of the Asian qualifying event.

China eliminated the Canadians two years ago at the tournament in Thailand, winning their quarter-final matchup 3-1. The Chinese advanced to the final where they were beaten 2-0 by Germany.

The Canadian women went 2-0-1 in the first round in Thailand, including a 3-3 tie with Germany when they recovered from a 3-0 deficit.

The Finns finished fourth in Europe last summer.

"They are very well organized . . . not as athletic as the best European team but a strong football country in the women's game," Bridge said.

The top two in each group move on to the quarter-finals. Canada is in Group B and will meet teams from Group A - Australia, Brazil, New Zealand and Russia - in the knockout round of eight if it advances.

Bridge sees Pool A as the strongest group.

Group C consists of Germany, Mexico, North Korea and Switzerland while Group D is made up of Africa 2 (probably South Africa), Argentina, France and the U.S.

Bridge's team was edged 3-2 by the Americans in the final of the CONCACAF qualifying tournament in Mexico in January.

The Canadian team is coming off a tour of Brazil where it went 1-1-2, beating and tying Brazil and tying and losing to the U.S.

The 4-0 loss to the Americans came at the end of the trip, and was the Canadians' second game in two days.

"They're very strong," Bridge said of the Americans. "They're a confident, skilful athletic team. They've got just about everything you'd want."

Bridge also points to Germany as a team to watch in Russia, saying it was the class of the European qualifying tournament. Brazil is also a strong side.

"We have a chance to do well if we keep progressing," he said of Canada's chances.

Canada reached the final of the inaugural tournament in 2002 only to lose 1-0 to the U.S. on a golden goal before 47,784 at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s U-20 Team
Friday, May 26, 2006
Canada’s U-20 Women Travel to Finland
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2454

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s U-20 National Women’s team head coach, Ian Bridge, has released his 20-player roster for his squad’s upcoming trip to Finland. The Canadian team will depart for Finland on June 2nd and will play the Finnish U-20 team in two friendlies (June 6 and 8) before returning home on June 9th.

Canada’s head coach was able to secure the services of every player he requested and will travel to Finland with one of his most experienced teams to date.

Ten players on Bridge’s roster suited up for Canada at the last World Championship’s in Thailand in 2004 and 17 were at the CONCACAF Qualifying Tournament in Mexico earlier this year.

Veterans Amanda Cicchini, Lisa Collison, and Emily Zurrer will all return to the fold after having missed the U-20 Brazil tour in mid-April. All three were unavailable due to commitments with their schools and will provide Bridge with some added experience through the middle of the park.

The only player with limited international experience is Edmonton’s Taryne Boudreau. The young but highly touted and versatile midfielder impressed Canada’s technical staff during Bryan Rosenfeld’s U-18 training camp in Vancouver with her technical prowess and has been given the chance to impress Bridge and his staff over the week-long camp.

Stephanie Gibson, who has been out for nearly two years recovering from a reconstructed knee, will be making a long-awaited return to the National team program. The Richmond Hill-native and University of Texas standout has played only once for Canada.

The weeklong camp also poses a curious situation for Bridge and his team who will be facing a team that they will square off against in just over three months at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship in Russia.

“I am looking forward to continuing the good form we displayed last month in Brazil,” said Bridge.

“To play against a team that you will play in a World Cup (later this summer) is exciting, but at the same time it adds a bit of pressure and importance to the games. Finland is a strong, well organized team with a very talented and dangerous striker in Linda Sällström. I saw them play in the UEFA U-19 Championships last summer and I will be interested to see how they have progressed from the squad that finished 4th at that tournament.

“For us, I will place again a big emphasis on team shape and structure, while at the same time I will experiment with different players in different positions and roles.“

For the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship in Russia this summer, Canada was drawn into the very difficult Group B along with China, Finland, and either the Democratic Republic of Congo or Nigeria, who will play for the African final to determine their seeding.

The Canadians will open the tournament against the DR Congo or Nigeria on August 17, then round off the opening round games on August 20 and 23 against Finland and China respectively.

The competition, which will take place between 17 August and 3 September 2006, will be played in four stadiums in Moscow (Dinamo, Lokomotiv, Podmoskovie and Torpedo) as well as one in St. Petersburg (Petrovsky) and will feature the top 16 U-20 women’s teams from across all six confederations:

AFC (3 slots): China PR, Korea DPR and Australia
CAF (2 slots): DR Congo and Nigeria
CONCACAF (3 slots): USA, Canada and Mexico
CONMEBOL (2 slots): Brazil and Argentina
OFC (1 slot): New Zealand
UEFA (host + 4 slots): Russia, France, Germany, Finland and Switzerland

For full competition details, team profiles and more, please visit the official website of the competition on FIFA.com.

Matches
June 6th at 6:00pm - TBD
Finland U20 vs Canada U20

June 8th at 6:00pm – Tervakoski
Finland U20 vs Canada U20

Canadian Roster

Player POS DOB Caps G/S Club Hometown
Adams, Paige F 02/06/1990 8 1 Coquitlam City Port Coquitlam, BC
Boudreau, Taryne M/F 9/21/1989 0 0 NTC-P Edmonton, AB
Cicchini, Amanda M 2/28/1987 18 1 West Virginia University Oakville, ON
Collison, Lisa F 10/02/1986 12 3 Ohio State Niagara Falls, ON
Gibson, Stephanie D/F 2/15/1987 1 0 University of Texas Richmond Hill, ON
Hingwing, Eden D 06/11/1988 8 1 NTC-BC Burnaby, BC
Iacchelli, Selenia M/F 06/05/1986 20 3 University of Nebraska Edmonton, AB
Jamani, Aysha F 6/28/1987 23 16 U. of Nebraska Calgary, AB
Kyle, Kaylyn M 10/06/1988 7 1 NTC-P Saskatoon, SK
Labbe, Stephanie GK 10/10/1986 8 1 University of Connecticut Stoney Plain, AB
Maranda, Véronique M 8/18/1986 23 7 U. of Tennessee Saint-Lambert, QC
McNulty, Erin GK 06/03/1989 5 1 NTCP Winnipeg, MB
Radchuck, Katie D 2/27/1986 17 0 University of Connecticut Halifax, NS
Riverso, Loredana M 2/21/1988 4 1 Dixie 88’s / NTC-O Mississauga, ON
Robinson, Jodi-Ann F 4/17/1989 16 8 NTC-BC Richmond, BC
Schmidt, Sophie M 6/28/1988 14 2 Vancouver Whitecaps / Surrey Utd. Abbotsford, BC
Scott, Desiree D/M 7/31/1987 10 0 U. of Manitoba / NTC-P Winnipeg, MB
Sleiman, Rheanne F 9/26/1989 7 3 NTC BC North Vancouver, BC
Vanderpool, Caroline M 7/15/1986 11 0 Louisiana State Montreal, QC
Zurrer, Emily F/D 07/12/1987 15 3 U. of Illinois / Vancouver Whitecaps Crofton, BC

Staff
Ian Bridge - Head coach
Bob Birarda - Assistant coach
Shel Brodsgaard - Goalkeeper coach
Kristin Houghton - Doctor
Cassandra Zinkowski - Athletic Therapist
Anne Pellerud - Team Manager

[Joe MacCarthy]

Cicchini, Collison, Zurrer headline under-20 roster
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2006/05/26/1599907-cp.html

OTTAWA (CP) - Amanda Cicchini, Lisa Collison and Emily Zurrer will be back with Canada's under-20 women's team for a pair of friendlies in Finland, tuneup matches for the world championships later this summer in Russia.

Head coach Ian Bridge released his 19-player roster Friday for the June 6 and 8 exhibition games, saying this squad is one of his most experienced to date.

Ten players on Bridge's roster played for Canada at the last world championships in Thailand and 17 were at the CONCACAF qualifying tournament earlier this year.

Veterans Cicchini, Collison, and Zurrer return after missing the team's Brazil tour in mid-April because of school commitments.

"I am looking forward to continuing the good form we displayed last month in Brazil," Bridge said in a statement.

Edmonton's Taryne Boudreau, a versatile midfielder who impressed Canada's technical staff during an under-18 camp in Vancouver, is the only player on the squad with limited international experience.

Canada will face Finland again in three months at the FIFA under-20 world championships.

"To play against a team that you will play in a World Cup is exciting, but at the same time it adds a bit of pressure and importance to the games," said Bridge. "Finland is a strong, well organized team with a very talented and dangerous striker in Linda Sallstrom.

"For us, I will place again a big emphasis on team shape and structure, while at the same time I will experiment with different players in different positions and roles."

Canada was drawn into the tough Group B for the world championships, facing China, Finland and either the Democratic Republic of Congo or Nigeria, who will play in the African final to determine their seeding.

Canada opens the tournament against the African winner on Aug. 17, then meets Finland on Aug. 20 and China on Aug. 23 in opening round action.

The tournament will be played in four stadiums in Moscow, plus one in St. Petersburg.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s U-20 Team
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
U-20 Women Blank Finland 2-0
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2006/06/06/1616908-sun.html

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s U-20 National Women’s team defeated Finland 2-0 with two first half goals scored by Sophie Schmidt and Jodi-Ann Robinson in front of 400 spectators in Hyvinkaa, Finland.

Canada, playing in a 4-3-3 formation, scored their first as team captain Schmidt scored off a corner kick taken by Caroline Vanderpool in minute 36.

Canadian extended their lead when Aysha Jamani received a short corner kick and passed to Robinson who followed through beating Finland’s goalkeeper T-R Korpela.

Erin McNulty played 90 minutes and earned her second shutout for the Canadian U-20 side. Edmonton native, Tarynne Boudreau, substituted in for Sophie Schmidt in the 88th minute to earn her first cap with Bridge’s U-20 squad.

'We wanted to send a strong message to Finland today,” said head coach Ian Bridge. “Not necessarily the result, but a performance that would be remembered from now until we meet them in two months time in Moscow. I think we succeeded in that.

“From a very positive start (a disallowed goal by Kaylyn Kyle in the 2nd minute) we pinned Finland back in their half for long periods of the game and created a high number of goal chances. We had 11 corner kicks in the first half alone, and it is no surprise we scored on two of them. As well as the territorial advantage, I felt we were very creative in our attacks. All of our strikers today showed lots of skill: passing, dribbling, positive runs and of course goal chances. A terrific offensive performance.

“Defensively, our game plan was to defend from the front (a tough job for the strikers and midfielders), but this set the tone for our team, and when our back four - and Erin McNulty in goal - were called upon, they stopped almost every attack.”

Canada will play Finland again on Thursday at 6:00pm in Tervakoski, Finland before returning home to Canada on Friday, June 9th.

Next Match

June 8th at 6:00pm – Tervakoski
Finland U20 vs Canada U20

Match Report

June 6, 2006 – International Friendly
Hyvinkaa, Finland
Attendance: 400

Finland 0 (0)
Canada 2 (2)

Goals: Schmidt (36), Robinson (41)
Cautions: Hingwing (57)
Ejections: none

Canada: 20-McNulty; 4-Vanderpool, 12-Hingwing, 5-Zurrer, 11-Scott; Schmidt (C)(16-Boudreau, 88), 10-Cicchini, 13-Riverso (8-Maranda, 83); 6 Kyle (9 Iacchelli, 46), 7-Robinson (15-Collison, 65), 14-Jamani (17-Sleiman, 83)
Coach: Ian Bridge

Finland: 1-T-R Korpela; 2-M Saari, 3-T. Hyyrynen, 14-H Hovi, 4-N Hyvonen, 11-S Hokkanen (6-N Berg, 46), 8-E Harkonen (22-K Ranki, 87), 16-A Westerlund (17-R Turtiainen, 89), 7-H Kivela (10-T. Porkka, 61), 9-T Laihanen (19-S Suosalo, 77), 18-L Sallstrom (21-M Morn, 87)
Coach: Jarmo Matikainen

Referee: Kirsi Savolainen (Fin), Asst Ref: M Niskanen (Fin), A Lehtonen (Fin)

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship in Russia

For the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship in Russia this summer, Canada was drawn into the very difficult Group B along with China, Finland, and Nigeria.

The Canadians will open the tournament against Nigeria on August 17, then round off the opening round games on August 20 and 23 against Finland and China respectively.

The competition, which will take place between 17 August and 3 September 2006, will be played in four stadiums in Moscow (Dinamo, Lokomotiv, Podmoskovie and Torpedo) as well as one in St. Petersburg (Petrovsky) and will feature the top 16 U-20 women’s teams from across all six confederations:

AFC (3 slots): China PR, Korea DPR and Australia
CAF (2 slots): DR Congo and Nigeria
CONCACAF (3 slots): USA, Canada and Mexico
CONMEBOL (2 slots): Brazil and Argentina
OFC (1 slot): New Zealand
UEFA (host + 4 slots): Russia, France, Germany, Finland and Switzerland

For full competition details, team profiles and more, please visit the official website of the competition on FIFA.com.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s U-20 Team
Friday, June 09, 2006
Canada Blanks Finland 2-0 Again
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2461

http://i6.tinypic.com/125ovp3.jpg
Veronique Maranda

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s U-20 National Women’s team defeated Finland 2-0 on Thursday in Tervakoski Urheilukentta, Finland with Kaylyn Kyle (Saskatoon, SK) and Veronique Maranda (Saint-Lambert, QC) each scoring one a piece for a second straight shutout against the European side.

The young Canadians playing in a 4-3-3 formation took an early lead in the 15th minute when Aysha Jamani attacked down the left flank to beat the full back for a low shot which bounced off the left hand goal post where Kyle was able to finish from close range. The goal marks Kyle’s second goal since scoring her first in January against Trinidad & Tobago in CONCACAF Qualifying.

Maranda put Canada ahead by two in the 52nd minute with a low, powerful 20-meter shot that beat Finnish keeper Korpela into bottom left corner for her eighth with the U-20 side.

Canadian keeper Stephanie Labbe (Stoney Plain, AB) played the full 90 minutes and earned her second shutout. Her first was against Brazil on April 17, 2006.

“I would like to thank the entire team tonight for another solid performance,” said Canadian head coach Ian Bridge. “One of our team goals going into this two game series was to allow less than one goal against per game. We achieved that with two shutouts, and I am very happy and proud of the way the team responded to this defensive challenge. They were very focused against a much improved Finnish team that tonight were more determined and prepared for us than on Tuesday in Hyvinkka.

“A really strong second half allowed us to leave Finland on a positive note, and also with our second straight clean sheet. I felt that minute 45 to 55 was a very important period in the game. A period where we would either let Finland back into the game, or slam the door shut on their hopes to get back into the game. We did the latter, and also added a second goal which allowed the players to play with a bit more composure and - dare I say it - flair. As in our first game of the series, one of our offensive strengths was the excellent 1v1 play by our strikers. They impressed me not only with their skills, but with their courage and willingness to take players on in the attacking 1/3. Behind that, the midfield and defenders worked very hard to close down the Finns, win possession, and provide our front players with opportunities to attack.

“We will now take some days off before beginning a three week fitness phase in preparation for the July series of friendly matches with China and Mexico."

Canada is preparing for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship in Russia in August.

Match Report

June 8, 2006 – International Friendly
Tervakoski Urheilukentta, Finland
Attendance: 510

Finland 0 (0)
Canada 2 (1)

Goals: Canada – Kyle (15), Maranda (52)
Cautions/Ejections: none

Canada: 1-Labbe; 2-Radchuck; 12-Hingwing; 5-Zurrer; 11-Scott; Schmidt (captain), 10-Cicchini; 8-Maranda (16-Boudreau, 75); 6-Kyle (13-Riverso, 41); 15-Collison (Robinson 46), 14-Jamani (17-Sleiman 68)
Coach Ian Bridge

Finland: 1-T-R Korpela; 5-M Viljanen (19-S Suosalo, 74), 3 T. Hyyrynen, 14-H Hovi; 4- N Hyvonen, 6-N Berg; 8-E Harkonen (10-T Porkka, 56), 16-A Westerlund; 7-H Kivela (17-R Turtiainen, 87), 9-T Laihanen (11-S Hokkanen, 12 (15-J Sjoholm, 74), 18-L Sallstrom (22-K Ranki, 82)
Coach Jarmo Matikainen

Referee: Saija Raatikainen (Fin), Asst Ref: Emilia Parivainen (Fin), Tiina Hyttinen (Fin)

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s U-20 Team
Friday, July 07, 2006
Canada’s U-20 Women’s Team to Play China and Mexico in Prince George & Kamloops
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2471

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s U-20 Women’s team will spend much of July 2006 in British Columbia preparing for this summer’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship in Russia.

The Canadians are scheduled to play the difficult Chinese U-20 National Team in a two-game series at the Masich Place Stadium in Prince George, BC on July 8 and 11. Both matches have been scheduled for 19:00 PT. Tickets for the two-game series will be priced at $10.00 for Adults and $5.00 for Youth (ages 5-18). Children under four years old will be admitted for free.

Tickets can be purchased beginning June 30 in person at Studio 2880, 2820 15th Avenue, Prince George, BC, V2M 1T1 or by phone (250) 563-2880. (Closed July 1-3 for the Canada Day weekend). Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Prince George Youth Soccer Association (PGYSA) office located at Studio 2880 15th Ave (upstairs) or by calling (250) 564-5900.

During their visit to Prince George, the Canadian U-20 National Team, in conjunction with the PGYSA, will conduct a player clinic on Sunday, July 9th (14:00-15:30) and Monday, July 10th (18:00-19:30). The cost of the clinic is $10.00. For further information, please call the PGYSA offices at (250) 564-5900.

Following the clinic on Monday, July 10th, Canada’s Head Coach, Ian Bridge, will conduct an informal presentation to local coaches from 19:30-20:30. There is no charge for the presentation.

A week after the games against China, Ian Bridge’s team will meet in Kamloops, BC for a two-game series against CONCACAF rivals Mexico. The games are scheduled for July 18 and 21 and will both kick off at 19:00 PT. There will be no charge for admission.

Both matches against El Tricolor will take place at the newly constructed Hillside Sportfield in Kamloops. These two matches in Kamloops are being hosted by the City of Kamloops and Defargo Sport Surfacing who installed the soccer pitch.

The Hillside Sportfield in Kamloops is the first monofilament turf soccer pitch to be awarded a “FIFA RECOMMENDED 1 STAR certificate” in North America. This new facility will be officially opened on July 18th with the match between Canada and Mexico.

During their visit to Kamloops, the Canadian U-20 National Team, in conjunction with the City of Kamloops, will conduct a series of player clinics and a coaching clinic for the local youth soccer community.

For the second straight time, Canada’s U-20 National Team will be playing a two-game series against an opponent they will face in this summer’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship. The Canadians will face China in the final game of the first round of the World Championships on August 23.

"After a very successful two game series in Finland, I am looking forward to playing 4 games in Canada,” said Canadian head coach Ian Bridge. “Prince George and Kamloops have done a great job to allow us to play this series of preparation games in the month leading up to our departure for Russia. It is always exciting and motivating for the players to play games in Canada and coming to ‘new’ venues will allow new fans and especially young players to see this level of soccer.”

“In both China and Mexico we have opponents of quality - teams that have the potential to be very successful in Russia. China of course eliminated us in Thailand 2004 in the quarter final game and went on to finish second behind Germany. They recently won the AFC Championship in Kuala Lumpur and are the seeded team in our Group B in Moscow. Our two games with them will be the same scenario as our recent games in Finland: games against a team we will play in group play in Russia. We will want to send them a strong message for sure. As for Mexico, they are, for me the team that has made the most improvement over the past 4 years of any u-20 program. I can see them coming out of Group C with Germany into the quarter finals."

On June 8 and 10, Canada defeated Finland (who they will face in the second game of the FIFA World Championship in Russia in August) in both games of their two-game series by the same score line – 2:0.

Match Information

July 8 – CANADA vs. China – Masich Place Stadium, Prince George, BC – 19:00 PT
July 11 – CANADA vs. China – Masich Place Stadium, Prince George, BC – 19:00 PT
July 18 – CANADA vs. Mexico – Hillside Sportfield, Kamloops, BC – 19:00 PT
July 21 – CANADA vs. Mexico – Hillside Sportfield, Kamloops, BC – 19:00 PT

Roster - CANADA

Player POS DOB Caps G/S Club Hometown
Adams, Paige F 02/06/1990 8 1 Coquitlam City Port Coquitlam, BC
Beckles, Vonya D/M 04/10/1989 3 0 NTC Ontario Scarborough, ON
Boudreau, Taryne M/F 9/21/1989 2 0 NTC Praries Edmonton, AB
Cicchini, Amanda M 2/28/1987 20 1 West Virginia University Oakville, ON
Collison, Lisa F 10/02/1986 14 3 Ohio State Niagara Falls, ON
Forbes Sylvia n/a n/a 0 0 n/a ON
Hingwing, Eden D 06/11/1988 10 1 NTC BC Burnaby, BC
Iacchelli, Selenia M/F 06/05/1986 21 3 University of Nebraska Edmonton, AB
Jamani, Aysha F 6/28/1987 25 16 U. of Nebraska Calgary, AB
Kyle, Kaylyn M 10/06/1988 9 2 NTC Prairies Saskatoon, SK
Labbe, Stephanie GK 10/10/1986 9 2 University of Connecticut Stoney Plain, AB
McNulty, Erin GK 06/03/1989 6 2 NTCP Winnipeg, MB
Raber, Sari M/D 01/01/1986 13 0 U. of Nebraska Richmond, BC
Radchuck, Katie D 2/27/1986 17 0 University of Connecticut Halifax, NS
Riverso, Loredana M 2/21/1988 6 1 n/a Mississauga, ON
Robinson, Jodi-Ann F 4/17/1989 18 9 NTC BC Richmond, BC
Schmidt, Sophie M 6/28/1988 16 3 Vancouver Whitecaps / Surrey United Abbotsford, BC
Scott, Desiree D/M 7/31/1987 12 0 University of Manitoba / NTC Prairies Winnipeg, MB
Sleiman, Rheanne F 9/26/1989 9 3 NTC BC North Vancouver, BC
Vanderpool, Caroline M 7/15/1986 12 0 Louisiana State Montreal, QC

Staff
Ian Bridge, Head coach
Bob Birarda, Assistant coach
Djamel Laarabi Gk-coach (July 6th - 22nd)
Shel Brodsgaard, GK-coach (July 24th - 25th)
Cassandra Zinkowski, AthleticTherapist
Maeve Glass, Manager July (6th - 15th )
Heidi Rohla, Manager (July 16th - 25th)
Anne Pellerud, Team Manager

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s U-20 Team
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Canada Drops Both in Two-game Series with China
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2474

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s U-20 Women’s National Team dropped both games in their two-game series against China in picturesque Prince George, BC.

The Canadians lost the opener by a score of 2-0 thanks to two second half strikes from the Chinese, and then fell in the second match 1-0 after the Chinese had broken the deadlock shortly after the half.

The young Canadians, currently preparing for the upcoming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship in Russia next month, looked far better in the second match but could not breach a very sturdy Chinese defence and find that elusive tally.

"We were beaten by a very talented Chinese team that controlled the tempo of the first game,” said Canadian head coach Ian Bridge.

“Their ball control and build-up play was much superior to ours. Having said that, they only created four scoring chances on the night, and that speaks well for our defence - on a night when we weren't particularly strong in any department.”

“For Tuesday's game, we must do much more with the ball when we win it. To constantly give it back cheaply to the Chinese will make for another long night."

And Canada must have heeded Bridge’s advice.

But for one decisive, defence-splitting pass that opened up the Canadian back-four and allowed the Asians a breakaway opportunity from 12m, the Canadians looked far more assured and composed throughout the ninety minutes and despite the second-straight loss, Canada’s head coach was pleased with the response from his young side.

"I compliment the team tonight on a much improved performance. This was a good response after a frankly disappointing match on Saturday. In every facet of our game as a team, and in every individual, there was marked improvement. We created 9 goal chances to China's 4 and pressed hard for the final 20 minutes to earn an equalizing goal. Our defensive game plan to sit a bit deeper before engaging China combined with a 4-1-4-1 formation allowed us to control China's talented midfield line, and allowed us to continually win back possession in their half. Offensively, we were much more precise and efficient in our passing and attacks. The only thing missing tonight for us was a goal scorer.”

“China is a very talented, soccer smart team and we have learned a lot from these 2 games - about them and about ourselves. That is why you play these games. Ultimately it will be the game in Moscow on August 23rd that will be the deciding test for both teams.

“I would also like to thank the Prince George hosting group for making this camp and international games a reality for us. I can't say enough about the hospitality that we have been treated to here in Northern BC. The peerless training facilities - the best I have seen in Canada - as well as the splendid atmosphere at the two games were something that my players will never forget."

The Canadians will now depart for a ‘team-building camp’ prior to arriving in Kamloops, BC on July 16th for a two-game series against CONCACAF rivals Mexico. The games are scheduled for July 18 and 21 and will both kick off at 19:00 PT. There will be no charge for admission.

Both matches against El Tricolor will take place at the newly constructed Hillside Sportfield in Kamloops. These two matches in Kamloops are being hosted by the City of Kamloops and Defargo Sport Surfacing who installed the soccer pitch.

Sunday, July 9, 2006 - International Friendly Masich Place Stadium – Prince George, BC
Attendance: 2,200

CANADA – 0 (0)
CHINA – 2 (0)
Goals: Canada – none; China – Huifang 71, Lijia 83

Cautions: Canada – unavailable; China – unavailable
Expulsions – none

CANADA: 1-Stephanie Labbe (20-Erin McNulty, 72); 2-Desiree Scott; 3-Caroline Vanderpool; 4-Sophie Schmidt (16-Tarynne Boudreau, 84); 5-Emily Zurrer; 6-Vonya Beckles; 7-Lorenda Riverso (12-Selenia Iacchelli, 66); 8-Amanda Cicchini; 9-Sylvia Forbes (18-Lisa Collison, 46); 10-Kaylyn Kyle (17-Sari Raber, 75); 11-Aysha Jamani (15-Rheanne Sleiman, 75)
Head Coach: Ian Bridge

Tuesday, July 11, 2006 - International Friendly Masich Place Stadium – Prince George, BC
Attendance: 1,600

CANADA – 0 (0)
CHINA – 1 (0)
Goals: Canada – none; China – Zhu Wei, 51

Cautions: Canada – unavailable; China – unavailable
Expulsions – none

CANADA: 1-Erin McNulty; 2-Desiree Scott; 3-Katie Radchuck (14-Rheanne Sleiman, 88); 4-Sophie Schmidt; 5-Eden Hingwing (18-Tarynne Boudreau, 63); 6-Vonya Beckles; 7-Kaylyn Kyle (12-Selenia Iacchelli, 56); 8-Amanda Cicchini; 9-Lisa Collison (16 Sylvia Forbes, 46); 10-Jodi-Ann Robinson (13-Loredana Riverso, 56); 11-Aysha Jamani (15-Sari Raber, 80)
Head Coach: Ian Bridge

Upcoming Match Information
July 18 – CANADA vs. Mexico – Hillside Sportfield, Kamloops, BC – 19:00 PT
July 21 – CANADA vs. Mexico – Hillside Sportfield, Kamloops, BC – 19:00 PT

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s U-20 Team
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Women’s U-20’s Tie Mexico 2-2
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2482

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s Women’s Under-20 Team who are making their final preparations before leaving for Russia to attend their third straight FIFA World Championship in August, yesterday tied Mexico 2-2 in font of 1,900 spectators at Hillside Stadium in Kamloops, BC.

For more information on the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship, please vistit FIFA.com

Canada in at 4-3-3 formation struck early as Aysha Jamani of Edmonton, AB scored in the first minute of play. Jamani received a pass from Sophie Schmidt for a breakaway and a one on one situation with the Mexican goalkeeper Anjula Ladron de Guevara. Jamani then made her way around the keeper for an easy finish on the empty net.

In minute eight, Mexico were looking to make up for the early Canadian lead evened the score when Monica Ocampo seized a fast pass from Janet Mendez splitting Canada’s defence for her own one on one chance with Canadian keeper Erin McNulty and side-footed the ball low left for the equalizer.

Mexico took the lead in the second half after Vonya Beckles lost the ball about 40 metres from the Canadian goal where Charlyn Corral dribbled in alone on McNulty. The Canadian keeper dove to stop the advancement leaving a loose ball for a supporting Ocampo who then easily found the empty net in the 57th minute.

Canada equalized two minutes later when Loredana Riverso of Mississauga, Ontario pounced on a rebound from an Amanda Cicchini shot and thumped it past de Guevara from ten metres out.

'I was pretty happy with our performance tonight; primarily in the second half where we created a number of great goal scoring chances. With better finishing or a less talented Mexican goalkeeper, the score could easily have been 4-2 for us. Overall the goal chances were 14-4 for us,” said Canadian head coach Ian Bridge.

“In the first half after Aysha’s early first goal, I felt we played below our usual level which sometimes happens after a quick goal. We must learn to play at our top level no matter what the score is.

“Defensively we were not aggressive enough and our attacks lacked purpose, speed and penetration. In the second half we addressed both these areas, and pressed hard to win the game. Shortly after Loredana’s tying goal, Vonya scored a great header off of a free kick which everyone in the stadium thought was a good goal. Unfortunately the referee’s assistant judged someone to be offside on the play.

“I think we gave the fans here in Kamloops an exciting offensive performance, and the players enjoyed playing in front of a large, enthusiastic crowd.'

Both teams will meet again on Friday again at Hillside Stadium in Kamloops, BC at 19:00 PT.

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship Russia 2006

Canada is in group B with Finland, Nigeria, and China at the 2006 edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship which takes place in Russia from August 17 to September 3rd, 2006.

Canadian Group Stage Schedule
August 17 vs Nigeria - Moscow (Podmoskovie)
August 20 vs Finland - Moscow (Podmoskovie)
August 23 vs China - Moscow (Torpedo)

For more information on the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship, please vistit FIFA.com

Match Statistics

Tuesday July 18 – International Friendly Hillside Stadium – Kamloops, BC
Spectators: 1,900

Canada 2 (1)
Mexico 2 (1)

Goals: Canada - Jamani (2), Riverso (59); Mexico - Ocampo (8, 57)

Canada: Erin McNulty, Desiree Scott, Vonya Beckles, Taryne Boudreau, Katie Radchuck; Sophie Schmidt, Amanda Cicchini, Kaylyn Kyle (Lisa Collison, 65), Aysha Jamani, Jodi-Ann Robinson, Loredana Riverso
Head coach: Ian Bridge

Mexico: Anjula Ladron de Guevara; Lulu Gordillo, Janely Farias, Lety Villalpando, Maria Isabel, Valdez; Arelli Martinez (Alexandra Velasquez 80th) , Janet Mendez (Jackie Acevedo, 60), Rebecca Juarez, Monica Ocampo; Charlyn Corral (Nancy Gandarilla, 68), Tania Morales
Head coach: Coach Leonardo Cuellar

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s U-20 Team
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Mexico Defeats Canada 3-1 in Kamloops
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2484

Ottawa, Ontario - Before departing for Russia to compete in their third straight FIFA Women’s U-20 World Championship, the Canadian Women’s U-20 Team were defeated 3-1 to Mexico on Friday evening in front of 1,660 spectators in Kamloops, BC.

Burnaby, BC native Jaclyn Dunnett earned her first cap for the Canadian side but was unable to stop Tania Morales in the 29th minute as Mexico scored the only goal of the first half.

After the break, the Canadians rallied early in the half to even the score and succeeded with a goal by Loredana Riverso in the 52nd minute. Mexico then proceeded to score twice again before the final whistle.

Final result: Mexico three, Canada one.

'This was a game that the team wanted badly to win after drawing 2-2 with Mexico on Tuesday night. Unfortunately we made too many defensive mistakes and against a team that knows how to punish mistakes we paid the price and lost 3-1,” said Head Coach Ian Bridge. “I think the difference in the game was Mexico’s determined defence and our lack of punch in the final third.

“If we can take some positives out of this game, it would be that we attacked and pressed Mexico for long periods - especially in the first half, but without really creating many big scoring chances. In the second half we became quite stretched, and Mexico began to find space to play and create chances of their own.

“We must now make sure that we learn from this series of four international matches. The important games are now approaching in Russia and I trust that the players will take the necessary steps to be ready for the rigours of a World Cup.”

The team will travel on Saturday back to Vancouver for a final preparation game against the Whitecaps, then give the players some well deserved days off before heading to Russia.

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship Russia 2006

Canada is in group B with Finland, Nigeria, and China at the 2006 edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship which takes place in Russia from August 17 to September 3rd, 2006.

Canadian Group Stage Schedule
August 17 vs. Nigeria - Moscow (Podmoskovie)
August 20 vs. Finland - Moscow (Podmoskovie)
August 23 vs. China - Moscow (Torpedo)

For more information on the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship, please visit FIFA.com.

Match Statistics

July 21, 2006 – International Friendly
Hillside Park Stadium – Kamloops, BC
Attendance: 1,660

Canada 1 (0)
Mexico 3 (1)
Goals: Canada - Riverso (52); Mexico - Morales (29), Ocampo (77), Corral (92)

Canada: Jaclyn Dunnett; Katie Radchuck (Jodi-Anne Robinson 54, Kaylyn Kyle, 62), Vonya Beckles, Taryne Boudreau (Sari Raber, 85), Caroline Vanderpool; Amanda Cicchini, Sophie Schmidt, Desiree Scott, Aysha Jamani, Lisa Collison (Rheanne Sleiman, 78), Loredana Riverso (Selina Iacchelli, 78)

Mexico: Guevara; Gordillo (Velazquez 80th), Villalpando, Valdez, Martinez (Nieva 62nd); Mendez, Juarez, Ocampo (Woiwode 92nd), Morales; Acevedo (Corral 45th), Gutierrez.

Refs: Jill Proctor, Mark Budda, Darren Clark, 4th: Michelle Pye

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s U-20 Team
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Canada Defeats Australia 3-0 in Last Friendly Prior to World Championship
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2500

Ottawa, Ontario – In their last friendly prior to the 16-team FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship in Russia, Canada’s Women’s Under-20 Team today defeated Australia 3:0 with a first minute goal by Lisa Collison (Niagara Falls, ON) followed by a pair scored by Jodi-Ann Robinson (Richmond, BC) at Kirov Stadium in St Petersburg, Russia.

Canada lined up in a 4-3-3 formation with Erin McNulty of Winnipeg, Manitoba as the starting goalkeeper.

In the first minute after the opening whistle, Canada marched down the right flank in their first attack. Loredana Riverso crossed to the far post towards Aysha Jamani who then sent a one timer pass back to Collison. Collison, only eight metres out from the opponent’s goal, then turned for a high volley past the Australian keeper.

Canada’s second goal came in the 48th minute on a counter attack where Robinson found the end of a penetrating pass from Paige Adams then beat the keeper low from 12 metres out.

Canada scored the final goal of the rout in the 58th minute following a free kick taken by Sophie Schmidt. The Aussie back line were caught too high and Robinson beat her opponents for control of the ball. She then struck a right footed scorcher across her body to the upper left corner of the goal.

"A great result and team performance to wind up our preparation before heading to Moscow,” said Head Coach Ian Bridge. “We played a high tempo, high pressure game that Australia had all kinds of trouble dealing with.”

“Our attacks were fast and dangerous, usually as a result of our pressure deep in their half. Our strikers often created their own chances from simply stealing the ball from the Australian defenders. We had three or four other great chances to score, but sometimes rushed our finishing.”

"This was a terrific group effort that shows our potential when we are playing with passion, intensity and tactical discipline.”

The team will travel to Moscow tomorrow where they begin the group stage against Nigeria on Thursday, August 17. Canada then continues against Finland on Sunday, August 20 before meeting China on Wednesday, August 23. The two teams who make it out of the group stage will proceed into the quarterfinals which take place on August 26. Schedule is listed below.

August 12, 2006 – International Friendly
Kirov Stadium - St Petersburg, Russia

Canada 3 (1)
Australia 0 (0)
Goals: Collison (1), Robinson (48, 58)

Canada: McNulty (Dunnett, 60); Radchuck (Vanderpool, 30); Beckles; Boudreau (Hingwing, 30); Scott; Cicchini; Schmidt (Iacchelli, 66); Kyle (Adams, 45); Jamani (Raber, 70); Riverso (Sleiman, 55); Collison (Robinson, 40)
Head coach: Ian Bridge

Rogers Sportsnet

Rogers Sportsnet will be broadcasting all the Canadian games and the final live on Rogers Sportsnet East and Rogers Sportsnet Ontario. Please visit www.sportsnet.ca for the complete soccer schedule.

Nigeria vs. Canada - 17 Aug 06 @ 11:00 am ET
RSN East (ET) - 11:00 am ET
RSN Ontario (ET) - 11:00 am ET
RSN West (MT) - TD-1:00 pm MT
RSN Pacific (PT) - TD-12:00 pm PT

Finland vs. Canada - 20 Aug 06 @ 8:00 am ET
RSN East (ET) - 8:00 am ET
RSN Ontario (ET) - 8:00 am ET
RSN West (MT) - 6:00 am MT
RSN Pacific (PT) - 5:00 am PT

China vs. Canada - 23 Aug 06 @ 11:00 am ET
RSN East (ET) - 11:00 am ET
RSN Ontario (ET) - 11:00 am ET
RSN West (MT) - TD-1:00 pm MT
RSN Pacific (PT) - TD-12:00 pm PT

Quarterfinal (if Canada advances) - 26 Aug 06 @ 8:00 am or 11:00 am ET
RSN East (ET) - TBD
RSN Ontario (ET) – TBD
RSN West (MT) - TBD
RSN Pacific (PT) – TBD

Semifinal (if Canada advances) - 31 Aug 06 @ 8:00 am or 11:00 am ET
RSN East (ET) - TBD
RSN Ontario (ET) - TBD
RSN West (MT) - TBD
RSN Pacific (PT) - TBD

Consolation Match (if Canada advances) - 03 Sep 06 @ 8:00 am ET
RSN East (ET) - 8:00 am ET
RSN Ontario (ET) - 8:00 am ET
RSN West (MT) - 6:00 am MT
RSN Pacific (PT) - 5:00 am PT

Final - 03 Sep 06 @ 11:00 am ET
RSN East (ET) - 11:00 am ET
RSN Ontario (ET) - 11:00 am ET
RSN West (MT) - 9:00 am MT
RSN Pacific (PT) - 8:00 am PT

RSN = Rogers Sportsnet
TD = Tape delay

Group B Schedule (times are local)

Group A
Russia
Brazil
New Zealand
Australia

Group B
China PR
Finland
Nigeria
Canada

Group C
Switzerland
Mexico
Korea DPR
Germany

Group D
Congo DR
USA
France
Argentina

Group Stage
# / Date / Venue / Match
3 / 17 Aug 06 16:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / CHN - FIN
4 / 17 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / NIG - CAN
11 / 20 Aug 06 16:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / FIN - CAN
12 / 20 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / CHN - NIG
20 / 23 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / FIN - NIG
19 / 23 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Torpedo) / CAN - CHN

Quarterfinals
# / Date / Venue / Match
25 / 26 Aug 06 16:00 / Moscow (Torpedo) / 1stA - 2ndB
26 / 26 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Torpedo) / 1stB - 2ndA
27 / 27 Aug 06 16:00 / St. Petersburg / 1stC - 2ndD
28 / 27 Aug 06 19:00 / St. Petersburg / 1stD - 2ndC

Semifinals
# / Date / Venue / Match
29 / 31 Aug 06 16:00 / Moscow (Lokomotiv) / W25 - W27
30 / 31 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Lokomotiv) / W26 - W28

Match for 3rd place
# / Date / Venue / Match
31 / 03 Sep 06 16:00 / Moscow (Lokomotiv) / L29 - L30

Finals
# / Date / Venue / Match
32 / 03 Sep 06 19:00 / Moscow (Lokomotiv) / W29 - W30

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship

Canada, who was host of the inaugural U-19 tournament held in Canada in 2002 placed second to the United States in the final played in Edmonton, Alberta. Two years later in Thailand, the team lost their quarterfinal 3-1 to China who would eventually take second to Germany in the final.

Following Thailand, the tournament changed into an Under-20 tournament and increased the scope of the participants from 12 to the current 16 team format.

For more information on the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship Russia 2006, please visit FIFA.com.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s U-20 Team
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Nigeria Spoils Canada’s World Championship Opener
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2505

Moscow, Russia – In their opening match of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship Russia 2006 played on a sunny afternoon in Podmoskovie Stadium in the outskirts of Moscow, Russia, Canada’s Women’s U-20 team was defeated 3-2 by Nigeria on a goal scored by Cynthia Uwak in the dying moments of the back and forth match.

Canada looked good right off the opening whistle when Kaylyn Kyle tapped the ball forward from center field and a Nigerian player misplayed the ball leaving it for Aysha Jamani to collect and work up the field. Jamani’s attack would end just outside the penalty area.

Kyle gave the Canadians the opening goal in the 25th minute after receiving a long cross by Tayrne Boudreau and then made her way towards the Nigerian net. The Nigerian goalkeeper Christy Bulus attempted to stop the midfielder who then side stepped for a clear shot into the net.

Kyle’s goal marked the 200th of the championship since the inaugural event hosted by Canada in 2002.

Nigeria returned four minutes later when Titilayo Mekuleyi passed up to a rushing Tawa Ishola who was able to slip the ball past the Canadian keeper Stephanie Labbe into the far side of the net.

In the 71st minute, Sophie Schmidt sent a free kick from just inside the half to a sprinting Amanda Cicchini inside the penalty area where she headed the ball into the air and over Bulus for the goal.

Two minutes later, the energized Canadians continued to apply pressure on the Nigerian defence as Jamani was able to send a low shot towards the net only for Bulus to easily smother the ball.

Nigeria bounced back and again evened the score in minute 82 when Cynthia Uwak powered a shot from 20 yards out from the net towards the inside the of opposite post where an outstretched Labbe was unable to redirect the shot out of harm.

Uwak eventually scored the winner for Nigeria in injury time on header off of a cross by Eke Maureen.

“This was a wide open tactical game with two fabulous goals by Nigeria late in the game,” said Canadian boss Ian Bridge. “I give Nigeria loads of credit as in the last ten minutes they were a dynamic, exciting team pushing people forward. Not necessarily what you want to see when it’s coming at you.”

“We now have to work hard against Finland and China.”

In the earlier match of the day, China defeated Finland 2-1.

Canada now continues in Group B against Finland on Sunday before meeting China on Wednesday. The top two teams will proceed into the quarterfinals which take place on August 26. Schedule is listed below.

August 17, 2006 – FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship Russia 2006
Podmoskovie Stadium – Moscow, Russia

Nigeria 2 (1)
Canada 3 (1)

Goals: Canada – Kyle (25), Cicchini (71); Nigeria – Ishola (29), Uwak (82, 90+)
Cautions: Canada – Vanderpool (50)
Expulsions: none

Canada: 1-LABBE Stephanie; 3-SCHMIDT Sophie (C); 4-VANDERPOOL Caroline; 6-KYLE Kaylyn (8-ADAMS Paige, 88); 10-CICCHINI Amanda; 11-SCOTT Desiree; 13-RIVERSO Loredana (7-ROBINSON Jodi-Ann, 46); 14-JAMANI Aysha; 15-COLLISON Lisa (17-SLEIMAN Rheanne, 72); 16-BOUDREAU Taryne; 19-BECKLES Vonya

Head coach: BRIDGE Ian
Subs not used: 20-MC NULTY Erin; 21-DUNNETT Jaclyn; 2-RADCHUCK Katie; 5-ZURRER Emily; 9-IACCHELLI Selenia; 12-RABER Sari; 18-HINGWING Eden

Nigeria: 12-BULUS Christy; 2-CHIKWELU Rita; 3-SABI Akudo (C); 6-IKIDI Faith; 7-AKPA Gladys; 9-IWUAGWU Akudo; 10-MEKULEYI Titilayo (4-EKE Maureen, 60); 14-ISHOLA Tawa; 16-JEROME Ulumma; 17-AKUSOBI Blessing; 18-UWAK Cynthia

Head Coach: OKONKWO Emmanuel Tetteh
Subs not used: 1-OLUEHI Tochukwu; 21-OKEWOLE Adefunke; 5-OGBIMI Omena; 8-OPARAOCHA Chizoma; 11-GODWIN Stella; 13-CHUKWUDI Ogonna; 15-AKOR Hope; 19-CHUKWUJI Odishika; 20-OGIAGBEHVA Emueje
Referee:

Group B Schedule (times are local)

Group B
Team / GP / W / D / L / GF / GA / + - / Pts
Nigeria / 1 / 1 / 0 / 0 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 3
China PR / 1 / 1 / 0 / 0 / 2 / 1 / 1 / 3
Canada / 1 / 0 / 0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / -1 / 0
Finland / 1 / 0 / 0 / 1 / 1 / 2 / -1 / 0

Group Stage
# / Date / Venue / Match / Result
3 / 17 Aug 06 16:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / CHN – FIN / 2:1 (1:1)
4 / 17 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / NIG – CAN / 2:3 (1:1)
11 / 20 Aug 06 16:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / FIN - CAN
12 / 20 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / CHN - NIG
20 / 23 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / FIN - NIG
19 / 23 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Torpedo) / CAN – CHN

[Joe MacCarthy]

Canada falls to Nigeria
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2006/08/17/1761450-cp.html

MOSCOW (CP) - Two superb late strikes cost Canada its opener at the under-20 women's world soccer championships Thursday.

Cynthia Uwak scored twice in the last eight minutes - her second in injury time - to lead Nigeria to a dramatic 3-2 victory over Canada in the opening game for both teams at world women's tournament.

"I think it was two real special goals by Nigeria, the second and the third that were our undoing," said Canadian coach Ian Bridge. "The game is about scoring goals and they scored two great ones there."

Kaylyn Kyle of Saskatoon and Amanda Cicchini of Oakville, Ont., scored for the Canadians, who will be in tough to advance out of the preliminary round after the loss.

"It's disappointing in terms of the result, but I'm not at all disappointed in the way the players played," said Bridge. "I told them at the end of the game that the plan going into the game was to make sure we didn't do anything to lose the game, any sort of mistakes, and I don't think we did."

Nigeria and China sit atop Group B after Day 1, China defeating Finland 2-1 in its opening game Thursday. In Group A action, Australia beat New Zealand 3-0 and Russia and Brazil played to a scoreless draw.

Canada's opener was a see-saw battle between a better-organized Canadian side, and a fast and physical Nigerian squad. Nigeria had the advantage in ball possession with 53 per cent, and outshot the Canadians 14-11.

The 17-year-old Kyle opened scoring in the 25th minute, chesting down a cross from Edmonton's Taryne Boudreau, and then firing into the open net after Nigerian goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi misplayed the ball.

Nigeria tied it up in the 29th when Tawa Ishola sprinted onto a through ball from centre, lofting a shot over the head of 'keeper Stephanie Labbe of Stoney Plain, Alta.

Cicchini scored in the 71st, sending a looping header over Oluehi, who was well out of her net.

Canada looked en route to victory at Podmoskovie Stadium until the 82nd minute, when Uwak unleashed a ferocious shot to the far corner of the net past the outstretched hands of Labbe that tied the game.

Nigeria capitalized on a defensive lapse in the 91st, when an unmarked Maureen Eke crossed the ball from the right corner, finding an equally open Uwak on the far post, who headed in the ball for the victory.

"To Nigeria's credit, they broke so fast on their attack, and again it was a terrific cross, and I was saying, 'please don't go to the far post,' and for sure, there it was," said Bridge. "Tremendous fight by Nigeria, they have some big talent on that team and the goals were terrific. You have to sit back and appreciate the skill."

Canada definitely could have used a win against Nigeria in a tough Group B that includes China, a gold-medal favourite. The top two teams from each group advance.

"We're a little bit disappointed," said Kyle, whose goal was No. 200 in the history of the women's tournament. "But we had a great performance and we take nothing away from Nigeria, they had two great goals. But we're just going to learn from this game and go into the Finland game and improve from this."

The Canadians face Finland on Sunday ( 8 a.m. ET), a team they twice beat in recent friendlies - both by scores of 2-0.

They battle China on Aug. 23 (11 a.m. ET) to complete the group stage in the 16-country tournament. China defeated Canada 2-0 and 1-0 in a pair of friendlies last month in Prince George, B.C.

Canada won silver at the inaugural tournament in 2002 in Edmonton, losing to the U.S. in the gold-medal game at Commonwealth Stadium. The Canadians lost 3-1 to China in the quarter-finals in 2004 in Thailand, after 'keeper Stacey van Boxmeer was sent off in the opening minute.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women rebound at U-20 soccer championship
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2006/08/20/1766681-cp.html

MOSCOW (CP) - Canada got back on track with a 2-0 win over Finland at the world under-20 women's soccer championship Sunday. But more hard work remains if the Canadians are to advance.

Jodi-Ann Robinson scored twice as the Canadian women evened their record with a comfortable victory over the outmatched Finns, helping erase memories of a painful opening 3-2 loss to Nigeria.

China, which beat Finland 2-1 in its first game, defeated Nigeria 3-0 later Sunday to take command of Group B with six points from a 2-0-0 record. Canada and Nigeria each have three points at 1-1-0.

Canada, however, faces a tougher foe in China in its final first-round game Wednesday, while Nigeria tackles the winless Finns.

The top two teams in each of the four groups move on to the knockout round at the 16-country tournament.

"Definitely we need to win to advance," said Robinson.

China downed Canada in a pair of friendlies - 2-0 and 1-0 - last month in Prince George, B.C.

In Group A play Sunday, Brazil blanked Australia 2-0 and Russia scored in second-half injury time to dispatch New Zealand 3-2.

China did the Canadians a favour by putting three goals past the Nigerians, dropping the African team's goal difference to minus-2. Canada's goal difference is plus-1 while China is plus-4.

In the event of a tie in the standings, the first tiebreaker is goal difference followed by goals scored.

Dominating play from the get-go, the Canadians finally broke through in the 39th minute on a Robinson penalty after Aysha Jamani was brought down near the goal-line after a rampaging run down the left flank. Robinson easily beat Tinja-Riikka Korpela to the Finnish goalkeeper's left.

Robinson made it 2-0 in the 70th minute, pouncing on a long kick from Canadian 'keeper Stephanie Labbe to poke the ball over an onrushing Korpela. Amanda Cicchini could have extended the lead minutes later but shot wide with the goal wide open.

Robinson, who came off the bench to open the second half against Nigeria, gave Finland fits right from the start.

Canada controlled the play from the outset, penning the Finns in their own half. The Canadians were denied by the woodwork three times in the first half, with Robinson hitting the crossbar with a header off a corner and banging the ball off the post with a left-footed shot after she eluded four Finns.

The 17-year-old from Richmond, B.C., then set up Sophie Schmidt whose right-footed shot bounced off the post following a corner.

Looking to reverse the Canadian tide, Finnish coach Jarmo Matikainen made a double substitution after just 35 minutes. It didn't make much of a difference.

The Canadians outshot Finland 14-0 in the first half and had five corners to none for the Finns. Overall, they had a 21-3 edge in shots (9-1 in shots on target).

Finland, playing without striker Lisa Sallstrom, was more competitive in the second half with Essi Sainio blasting a shot wide from all alone in front, with the score 1-0. The Finn was injured minutes later and stretchered off.

The Canadians regained control as the game wore on, peppering the Finnish goal.

Canada reached the final of the inaugural tournament in 2002, losing 1-0 to the U.S. on an overtime goal. In Thailand in 2004, the Canadians were ousted in the quarter-finals by eventual winner China

Finland, beaten twice by Canada in pre-tournament friendlies, is making its debut at the women's world championship level.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s U-20 Team
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Robinson Scores Twice As Canada Downs Finland 2:0 at FIFA World Championships
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2509

Moscow, Russia – Jodi-Ann Robinson scored two unanswered goals today leading Canada’s U-20 Women’s Team to a 2-0 victory over Finland at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship in Moscow Russia.

After a 3:2 loss to Nigeria on Thursday, Canada shut down today’s opponents and earned some much needed points in this second match. The top two teams of the group will continue into the quarterfinals which take place on August 26.

Robinson had her first opportunity hit the crossbar when she headed a Loredana Riverso corner. Just over ten minutes later, Robinson walked into the penalty area, beat three defenders, and then stepped left to send a left-footer which hit the left post.

Later, Captain Sophie Schmidt had a shot from the top of the box deflected out of play by a diving Finnish goalkeeper Tinja-Riikka Korpela.

For the next few minutes Canada continued with multiple opportunities but it wasn’t until being awarded a penalty kick for Niina Hyvinen’s trip on Aysha Jamani in the box that Robinson would then score the eventual game winner on the ensuing penalty in the 39th minute.

At the half, Canada led 1-0 with eight unanswered shots on goal.

In the second half, the story remained much the same with the Canadians continuing to apply pressure and create multiple opportunities.

Finland had their first chance in the half on a free kick taken from the sideline which sailed across the Canadian goal, but two rushing Finnish players could not get to the ball.

In the 60th minute, Finland’s unmarked Taru Laihanen sent a left footer blast over the cross bar. In the same minute, Jamani herself would also sail a shot over the net.

Robinson scored her second in the 70th minute with a chip over Korpela into the back of the net after chasing down a long ball by Canadian goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe. Robinson now has 13th career goals for the U-20 side.

With the 2-0 score at the final whistle, Labbe earned her third career shutout.

Robinson was named Player of the Match by the FIFA Technical Study Group for her efforts.

“This is a game we had to win and we took care of that,” said head coach Ian Bridge.

“We created a big number of goal chances, and it would have been good for the teams’ confidence to have scored on more of them, but the goal was to win so that we could keep our chances of continuing into the knockout stage.”

“There are many permutations as to how things will work, but we kept our chances alive today.”

In the other group match, China defeated Nigeria 3-0.

Canada will close Group B play against China while Nigeria will play Finland on Wednesday.

August 20, 2006 – FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship Russia 2006
Podmoskovie Stadium – Moscow, Russia
Attendance: 1,200

Finland 0 (0)
Canada 2 (1)
Goals: Canada – Robinson (39 PK, 70)
Cautions: Canada-Kyle (56); Finland-Sainio (36)
Expulsions: none

Canada: 1-LABBE Stephanie; 3-SCHMIDT Sophie (C) (9-IACCHELLI Selenia, 77); 4-VANDERPOOL Caroline; 6-KYLE Kaylyn (8-ADAMS Paige, 61); 7-ROBINSON Jodi-Ann (15-COLLISON Lisa, 82); 10-CICCHINI Amanda; 11-SCOTT Desiree; 13-RIVERSO Loredana; 14-JAMANI Aysha; 16-BOUDREAU Taryne; 19-BECKLES Vonya

Head coach: BRIDGE Ian
Subs not used: 20-MC NULTY Erin; 21-DUNNETT Jaclyn; 2-RADCHUCK Katie; 5-ZURRER Emily; 12-RABER Sari; 17-SLEIMAN Rheanne; 18-HINGWING Eden

Finland: 1-KORPELA Tinja-Riikka; 2-SAARI Maija; 3-HYYRYNEN Tuija; 4-HYVONEN Niina; 5-HOVI Hanna; 6-BERG Neea; 7-SAINIO Essi (14-TIILIKAINEN Heini, 65); 9-LAIHANEN Taru (17-KIVELA Heidi, 34); 10-PORKKA Tytti (16-WESTERLUND Anna, 34); 11-HOKKANEN Susanna; 13-PURANEN Leena

Head coach: MATIKANIEN Jarmo
Subs not used: 8-HARKONEN Eeva; 12-KAARESVIRTA Marjaana; 15-VUORELA Kaisa; 18-SALLSTROM Linda; 19-SUOSALO Sonja; 20-TIKKANEN Tiia; 21-HAIKKA Tinja

Referee: AVDONCHENKO Natalia (RUS), Asst. Ref. 1: VILLA GUTIERREZ Maria Luisa (ESP), Asst. Ref. 2: LAGRANGE Corinne (FRA), 4th Official: BROHET Claudine (BEL)

Group B Schedule (times are local)

Group B
Team / GP / W / D / L / GF / GA / +- / Pts
China PR / 2 / 2 / 0 / 0 / 5 / 1 / 4 / 6
Canada/ 2 / 1 / 0 / 1 / 4 / 3 / 1 / 3
Nigeria 2 / 1 / 0 / 1 / 3 / 5 / -2 / 3
Finland 2 / 0 / 0 / 2 / 1 / 4 / -3 / 0

Group Stage
# / Date / Venue / Match / Result
3 / 17 Aug 06 16:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / CHN – FIN / 2:1 (1:1)
4 / 17 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / NIG – CAN / 2:3 (1:1)
11 / 20 Aug 06 16:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / FIN – CAN / 0:2 (0:1)
12 / 20 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / CHN – NIG / 3:0 (2:0)
20 / 23 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / FIN - NIG / n/a
19 / 23 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Torpedo) / CAN – CHN / n/a

Rogers Sportsnet
Rogers Sportsnet will be broadcasting all the Canadian games and the final live on Rogers Sportsnet East and Rogers Sportsnet Ontario. Please visit www.sportsnet.ca for the complete soccer schedule.

China vs. Canada - 23 Aug 06 @ 11:00 am ET
RSN East (ET) - 11:00 am ET
RSN Ontario (ET) - 11:00 am ET
RSN West (MT) - TD-1:00 pm MT
RSN Pacific (PT) - TD-12:00 pm PT

Quarterfinal (if Canada advances) - 26 Aug 06 @ 8:00 am or 11:00 am ET
RSN East (ET) - TBD
RSN Ontario (ET) – TBD
RSN West (MT) - TBD
RSN Pacific (PT) – TBD

Semifinal (if Canada advances) - 31 Aug 06 @ 8:00 am or 11:00 am ET
RSN East (ET) - TBD
RSN Ontario (ET) - TBD
RSN West (MT) - TBD
RSN Pacific (PT) - TBD

Consolation Match (if Canada advances) - 03 Sep 06 @ 8:00 am ET
RSN East (ET) - 8:00 am ET
RSN Ontario (ET) - 8:00 am ET
RSN West (MT) - 6:00 am MT
RSN Pacific (PT) - 5:00 am PT

Final - 03 Sep 06 @ 11:00 am ET
RSN East (ET) - 11:00 am ET
RSN Ontario (ET) - 11:00 am ET
RSN West (MT) - 9:00 am MT
RSN Pacific (PT) - 8:00 am PT

RSN = Rogers Sportsnet
TD = Tape delay

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship

Canada, who was host of the inaugural U-19 tournament held in Canada in 2002 placed second to the United States in the final played in Edmonton, Alberta. Two years later in Thailand, the team lost their quarterfinal 3-1 to China who would eventually take second to Germany in the final.

Following Thailand, the tournament changed into an Under-20 tournament and increased the scope of the participants from 12 to the current 16 team format.

For more information on the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship Russia 2006, please visit FIFA.com.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Canada faces must-win game against China at women's under-20 soccer

Neil Davidson Canadian Press
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/story.html?id=61ce4cec-c4d3-42d8-8264-74cd05a94ea9&k=61388

(CP) - Canada faces a must-win game Wednesday against powerful China at the women's world under-20 soccer championships in Moscow (11 a.m. ET). It didn't have to be that way, however.

Had the Canadians held on to beat Nigeria in their opener, Wednesday's Group B contest could have been academic. Instead they gave up goals in the 82nd and 91st minutes to lose 3-2.

Now Canada (1-1-0) needs a win over the Chinese (2-0-0) to have any hope of moving on.

"We were just talking about that, how different things could be with those last 15 minutes against Nigeria," Canadian coach Ian Bridge said from his Moscow hotel. "But there's no use in wasting energy worrying about that. We need to prepare for the job we have."

The Chinese have all but assured themselves of advancing, with one of Canada and Nigeria likely joining them in the quarter-finals. Both the Canadians and Nigerians have three points from 1-1-0 records. But Nigeria has an easier foe Wednesday in Finland (0-2-0).

The top two teams in the group advance. The first tiebreaker is goal difference, with Canada currently at plus-one and Nigeria at minus-two.

"It's a game where we'll leave nothing on the field," Bridge said. "The players know the consequences, the magnitude of the game. But these are the games you have to win if you want to advance at the world championship."

Essentially Canada needs to beat China and hope that the Africans do not go on a scoring spree in downing the Finns, who have yielded four goals and 19 shots on target in their two games to date.

Canada could beat China and still not advance, if Nigeria wins and pads its goal difference.

If Canada and Nigeria both tie their respective games, the Canadians will advance. If the Nigerians win or tie and the Canadians lose, the jig is up for Bridge's team.

If that happens, it will mark Canada's earliest ever exit at the competition. The Canadian women were runners-up in 2002 in Edmonton and made the quarter-finals in Thailand two years later before losing 3-1 to the Chinese in a game that saw Canadian 'keeper Stacey Van Boxmeer ejected in the first minute.

Canada lost a pair of friendlies to China, 2-0 and 1-0, prior to the tournament.

Bridge expects a tactical game against the savvy Chinese, who went up 2-0 against Nigeria on Sunday and then soaked up pressure until they scored on a counter-attack to put the game out of reach.

China's Ma Xiaoxu scored the last two goals to up her total to three, tying for the tournament lead. A Canadian midfielder or defender will always be in close proximity to the Chinese star.

"Controlling her will be a big challenge," said Bridge.

Canada will look to 17-year-old Jodi-Ann Robinson of Richmond, B.C., who scored both goals in the 2-0 win over Finland.

"I've told my players already that it's a game where we will have to play almost a perfect tactical game, disciplined and structured to contain them and then to take our chances when they arrive," Bridge said.

Prior to the tournament, Bridge had warned how competitive it would be.

"Even Finland, who possibly will finish bottom of our group, they for me are as strong as maybe six or seven other teams in this tournament. ... It's a much more balanced tournament now, more competitive, more teams that could go all the way."

[Joe MacCarthy]

Women’s U-20 Team
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
China Win Eliminates Canada From The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2515

Moscow, Russia – Canada’s Women’s Under-20 Team were defeated 1:0 tonight by powerhouse China in Torpedo Stadium in Moscow, Russia, sending them home from the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship Russia 2006 earlier than expected.

The second loss for the Canadians in group B left them without the necessary points to continue through as in the other match played simultaneously at Podmoskovie Stadium, Nigeria defeated Finland 8:0 earning them a total of six points and second place in the group to join China into the next round. Only the top two teams of each group could advance.

China had the first opportunity in the seventh minute as Xiaoxu Lou broke thought the centre defence and for a one on one opportunity against Canadian keeper Stephanie Labbe who coolly stopped the attack.

With the play working to both sides in the first half, Canada did create a few opportunities on their opponents net. Most notably with a low shot taken by Jodi-Ann Robinson from just outside the penalty area which was easily handled by the Chinese keeper Yanru Zhang.

Canada, looking for the win was unable to break though the strong Chinese defence and the score remained at nil at the end of the half.

Head coach Ian Bridge substituted in Aysha Jamani for Lisa Collison at the half, hoping to find the advantage the team desperately needed to get the Canadians the important win.

Unfortunate for Canada, in the 48th minute China’s Captain Xiaoxu Ma received a long ball and found a way past Canada’s last line of defence, then took a shot past an oncoming Labbe to score the eventual game winner.

Canada struggled to gather an attack for the remainder of the half, but looked promising a few minutes later on a long free kick taken by team captain Sophie Schmidt. Selenia Iacchelli was able to out jump her defender for a soft header that floated just high over the crossbar and onto the top of the net.

Midway through the second half, Robinson who had found a few ways up the field also looked for the equalizer with a 30 yard shot wide of the net. Then substitute Paige Adams also tried to make the difference a minute later with a 20 yard left footer which was stopped by Zhang.

The rest of the half continued with the Canadians looking to find a way to equalize but with no reward, eventually they ran out of time.

“I thought it was a very exciting, high level game of soccer tonight,” said Bridge. “I’m extremely proud of my team as they followed the game plan very well against a skilled China team who we knew could play through us if we were not organized.”

“I thought we had good defensive shape and a great game plan to counter fast.”

“Full credit to China’s defence as it is one of the best in the tournament, and I would think they will go a long way.”

“We are disappointed of going home early, as we had aspirations to advance further, but it was not to be.”

August 23, 2006 – FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship Russia 2006
Torpedo Stadium – Moscow, Russia
Attendance: 100

China 1 (0)
Canada 0 (0)

Goals: China-Xiaoxu (48)
Cautions: Canada-ADAMS (60); China-YUE (10), ZHOU (52)
Expulsions: none

Canada: 1-LABBE Stephanie; 2-RADCHUCK Katie (13-RIVERSO Loredana, 73); 3-SCHMIDT Sophie (C); 4-VANDERPOOL Caroline; 6-KYLE Kaylyn (8-ADAMS Paige, 56); 7-ROBINSON Jodi-Ann; 9-IACCHELLI Selenia; 10-CICCHINI Amanda; 11-SCOTT Desiree; 15-COLLISON Lisa (14-JAMANI Aysha, 46); 19-BECKLES Vonya

Head coach: BRIDGE Ian
Subs not used: 20-MC NULTY Erin; 21-DUNNETT Jaclyn; 5-ZURRER Emily; 12-RABER Sari; 16-BOUDREAU Taryne; 17-SLEIMAN Rheanne; 18-HINGWING Eden; China:

China: 1-ZHANG Yanru; 2-ZHOU Gaoping; 3-YUAN Fan; 4-ZHANG Wei ; 9-RAO Hui Fang; 10-MA Xiaoxu (C) (19-ZI Jingjing, 80); 11-LOU Xiaoxu (8-YOU Jia, 61); 12-ZHU Wei (7-XI Dingying, 61); 15-YUE Min; 16-ZHANG Wei Shuang; 20-LIU Xiaoyan

Head coach: SHANG Ruihua
Subs not used: 18-WENG Xiaojie; 21-XU Meishuang; 5-WENG Xinzhi; 6-HOU Lijia; 13-ZHUANG Ran; 14-WANG Dongni; 17-MA Zixiang

Referee: BROHET Claudine (BEL); Asst. Ref. 1: BORG Susanne (SWE); Asst. Ref. 2: NADOLSKA Katarzyna (POL); 4th Official: PALMQVIST Jenny; SWE);

Group B
Team / GP / W / D / L / GF / GA / +- / Pts
China PR / 3 / 3 / 0 / 0 / 6 / 1 / 5 / 9
Nigeria / 3 / 2 / 0 / 1 / 11 / 5 / 6 / 6
Canada / 3 / 1 / 0 / 2 / 4 / 4 / 0 / 3
Finland / 3 / 0 / 0 / 3 / 1 / 12 / -11 / 0

Group Stage
# / Date / Venue / Match / Result
3 / 17 Aug 06 16:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / CHN – FIN / 2:1 (1:1)
4 / 17 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / NIG – CAN / 2:3 (1:1)
11 / 20 Aug 06 16:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / FIN – CAN / 0:2 (0:1)
12 / 20 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / CHN – NIG / 3:0 (2:0)
20 / 23 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Podmoskovie) / FIN – NIG / 0:8 (0:4)
19 / 23 Aug 06 19:00 / Moscow (Torpedo) / CAN – CHN / 0:1 (0:0)

Rogers Sportsnet
Rogers Sportsnet will broadcast the final live on September 3rd. Please visit www.sportsnet.ca for the complete soccer schedule.

Final - 03 Sep 06 @ 11:00 am ET
Rogers Sportsnet East (ET) - 11:00 am ET
Rogers Sportsnet Ontario (ET) - 11:00 am ET
Rogers Sportsnet West (MT) - 9:00 am MT
Rogers Sportsnet Pacific (PT) - 8:00 am PT

FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship

Canada, who was host of the inaugural U-19 tournament held in Canada in 2002 placed second to the United States in the final played in Edmonton, Alberta. Two years later in Thailand, the team lost their quarterfinal 3-1 to China who would eventually take second to Germany in the final.

Following Thailand, the tournament changed into an Under-20 tournament and increased the scope of the participants from 12 to the current 16 team format.

For more information on the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship Russia 2006, please visit FIFA.com.