Women U-20 qualifying in Mexico [R]

[The Ref]

It seems all the front line of Canada's U-20 was either not invited to camp or players decided to decline represent their country. If the team with all new players stumbles in Mexico, it will be another big blow for the women program.

[Grizzly]

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

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.

Dale Mitchell, Canada’s Men’s U20 Head Coach, has announced a squad of 16 players that will meet for a brief training stint in Vaughan, ON from December 18-23, 2005. The team will play two scrimmages during that period – December 21 against Seneca College and on December 23 against the University of Toronto. Both matches will be played at the Soccer Centre in Vaughan.

Mitchell has targeted this camp to have a specific look at players available in Eastern Canada.

'Any time we can get our players together and work with them we want to take advantage of that, and get as much out of it as possible,” said Mitchell. “This camp in Toronto will allow us to continue to work with some of the players from our last trip to England and assess some new boys from Eastern Canada.”

Mitchell also added that “preparations for 2007 will continue in early January 2006 with our participation in the Chivas Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico.'

The Chivas Cup will take place from January 7-14, 2006 with the Canadians setting up camp from January 2nd. The draw and fixture list for the tournament has not been completed.

Unlike 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 Men’s National Team

# Pos. Name Club DOB Hometown Prov

1 GK CATLEY, Adam Hartwick College (USA) 19-Dec-87 Burlington ON

2 D OLIVEIRA, Kyle National Training Centre - Ontario 4-Mar-88 Oakville ON

3 D LUMLEY, Stephen National Training Centre - Ontario 16-Apr-87 Mississauga ON

4 D ATTAKORA-GYAN, Nana National Training Centre - Ontario 27-Mar-89 Orangeville ON

5 D GALA, Gabriel National Training Centre - Ontario 29-Jun-89 Brampton ON

6 M GRAY, A.J. National Training Centre - Ontario 12-Apr-87 Brampton ON

7 D OWUSU-ANSAH, Kennedy National Training Centre - Ontario 20-Jul-89 Toronto ON

8 D/M AWUAKYE, Joseph National Training Centre - Ontario 21-Jan-88 Scarborough ON

9 F LAMMIE, Selvin (Shane) National Training Centre - Ontario 3-Aug-88 Toronto ON

10 F JOHNSON, Will Chicago Fire (USA) 21-Jan-87 Woodridge IL

11 F REVIVO, Daniel Winthrop University 23-Mar-87 Richmond Hill ON

12 D JONKE, John University of Louisville 20-Jan-87 Pickering ON

13 M BALDE, Ibrahim National Training Centre - Quebec 24-Dec-87 Montreal QC

14 M BABINEAU, Olivier University of Montreal 12-Jul-87 Dieppe NB

15 M GAUDET, Derek National Training Centre - Atlantic 14-May-89 Bayside NS

20 GK BUXTON, Kyle National Training Centre - Ontario 20-Jan-90 Stratford ON

Staff
MITCHELL, Dale - Head Coach
DASOVIC, Nick - Assistant Coach
MULDOON, Kevin - Equipment Manager/GK Coach
BATE, Richard - Technical Director
NUTT, Dave - National Teams Administrator


Matches
December 21, 2005 @ 11:00 Local Time vs. Seneca College
The Soccer Centre – Vaughan, ON

December 23, 2006 @ 10:00 Local Time vs. University of Toronto
The Soccer Centre – Vaughan, ON

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

[Harley84]

quote:Originally posted by Grizzly

“Team play, formations, patterns and details will be a big focus for us in Florida.

Can someone explain what "formations" is all about? I fail to understand it.

[The Ref]

quote:Originally posted by Harley84


quote:Originally posted by Grizzly

“Team play, formations, patterns and details will be a big focus for us in Florida.

Can someone explain what "formations" is all about? I fail to understand it.


I think he is talking about systems of play. I.e. 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 or 3-5-2, etc. The first number represents the number of defenders, the middle number are the midfielders and the last number are the number of forwards. The Goalkeeper is never indicated as it is understood there is always 1.

[Rocket Robin]

TORONTO LADY LYNX MEDIA RELEASE



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



PAIR OF LADY LYNX HEADING TO MEXICO FOR U-20 WC QUALIFYING


Tuesday, January 10, 2006 (TORONTO, ON) - The on-field success of the inaugural 2005 Lady Lynx season is being recognized with a pair of Lady Lynx players selected to represent Canada at the upcoming U-20 World Cup Qualifying tournament in Mexico being held from January 18-27.

The Candian line-up will be bolstered by the presense of Amanda Cicchini and Robin Rushton from the Toronto Lady Lynx. Both players missed significant time during the 2005 Lady Lynx season as a result of National Team Duty and injury but were exceptional in the playoffs helping the club make it to the Eastern Conference final while playing every minute of each playoff game.

Amanda Cicchini appeared in 6 regular season games, as well as in all 3 playoff games during the 2005 Lady Lynx season earning 1 goal and 3 assists. Cicchini has made 13 appearances for the U-20 program scoring 1 goal, in addition to earning 4 caps with the Canadian Women's World Cup team.

Robin Rushton who played in 8 regular season games, in addition to all 3 playoff games, was a defensive standout for the Lady Lynx while contributing an assist on the offensive side of things. Rushton has been a member of the National Training Centre Ontario Program for several years and this trip to Mexico will provide her with the first opportunity to earn a cap at the U-20 level.

Amanda and Robin are also team-mates on the West Virginia University Soccer Team where they both started in all 19 of the Mountaineers matches helping the team to a 11-5-3 record and the second round of the NCAA tournament before bowing out to Penn State University and fellow Lady Lynx player Holly Lincoln.

FIFA has recently changed the Women’s U-19 World Championship format to an U-20 tournament and as a result several Canadian "veterans" from the 2004 campaign, including Cicchini, are looking forward for the opportunity to make up for the disappointment of Thailand, where Canada lost 3-1 to China in the quarter-finals. Canada's keeper was red-carded and China was awarded a penalty in the opening minute.Canada played almost the entire game with only 10 players.

CONCACAF (Confederation Of North Central American And Caribbean Association Football) qualifying matches will take place in Mexico later this month as follows:

Group A
Canada, Mexico (host), Panama, Trinidad & Tobago
Group B
El Salvador, Jamaica, Surinam, U.S.A.

The winners and runners-up of each group qualify for the semi-finals. The two semi-final winners automatically qualify and the two semi-final losers play off to qualify for the third CONCACAF spot in the World Championships. The FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championships is being held in Russia from August 17th to September 3rd.

Canada's schedule (local time) is as follows:

Group A: Veracruz, MEXICO; Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes

January 18, 2006
CANADA – TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (12:00)

January 20, 2006
PANAMA – CANADA (12:00)

January 22, 2006
MEXICO – CANADA (15:00)

January 25, 2006
Veracruz, MEXICO; Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes

SEMIFINALS *
A1 – B2 (12:00)
B1 – A2 (15:00)

January 27, 2006
Veracruz, MEXICO; Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes

THIRD PLACE: SEMIFINAL LOSERS (12:00)

FINAL: SEMIFINAL WINNERS (15:00)

–30 –



FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
MIKE LEBLANC - DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, TORONTO LYNX SOCCER CLUB

416-251-4625 ext. 23

[karalang_15]

Do you think that They have a chance to go to mexico and win?

[The Ref]

quote:Originally posted by karalang_15

Do you think that They have a chance to go to mexico and win?


I think they will qualify in Mexico. Once in Russia, that will be much tougher and will tell who is physically and mentaly better prepared. I would not be surprised if there are some wholesale changes to the roster going to Russia in a few months.

[karalang_15]

Yes i think it will be alot tougher also. Yes after he see how they take the pressure of a real game and working together as a team i will not be surprised if he switches a few players.

[sj]

with 3 teams going to the world cup.
Canada would most likely be one of the teams.
skill wise Mexico is superior to Canada.
I wont be surprise if Mexico finish second.
Canada's problem when playing a qualifying tournament that early
in the yr has always been fitness and since we tend to favor a physical approach instead of finess
a lack of match fitness a good passing team would make us suffer.
as for goal difference Mexico's approach will be able to create more opportunities and will be able to know more what to do with the space given to them by a lesser team than Canada can.
it would be interesting to know how Canada's passing game has progressed or is it that we will still present a one dimentional game relying mainly on set plays and long hopeful ball to create danger in the penalty box.

[Ivan]

Skill wise, Mexico is superior to Canada?

[Sigma]

No [R] in the title, but does it really matter as the games are not on TV?



Result from today....

Canada 7 Trinidad & Tobago 1

[The Ref]

Mexico 10 Panama 0.

[sstackho]

Good start.

Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Canada Cruises Past Soca Warriors

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

[sstackho]

Hmmmm, Lang an unused sub.

[Elaine]

quote:Originally posted by sstackho

Hmmmm, Lang an unused sub.
Kara isn't with the team yet, she's arriving on the weekend.

[Sigma]

A few pictures from the Canada-T&T game - thanks to Elaine for posting them on gobigred. The yahoo pictures weren't working for some reason...


http://www.femexfut.org.mx/noticias/img/011806j15.jpg

http://www.femexfut.org.mx/noticias/img/011806j19.jpg

[The Ref]

quote:Originally posted by Elaine


quote:Originally posted by sstackho

Hmmmm, Lang an unused sub.
Kara isn't with the team yet, she's arriving on the weekend.


Why the special concesion? Are players now allowed to pick and choose games and arrivals?

[Ivan]

quote:Originally posted by The Ref


quote:Originally posted by Elaine


quote:Originally posted by sstackho

Hmmmm, Lang an unused sub.
Kara isn't with the team yet, she's arriving on the weekend.


Why the special concesion? Are players now allowed to pick and choose games and arrivals?


In the first post of this thread, you lamented that all of our top strikers are excluded and what a blow it would be to our program if we did not perform well. Now you are asking why a special concession was made to, arguably, our best player?

[The Ref]

That is correct.

[Ivan]

quote:Originally posted by The Ref

That is correct.


All-righty then. Thanks for keeping a good close eye on the goings-on of our U20s.

By the way, anyone know what happened to Sydney Leroux?

[Bill Spiers]

Game 2 - looks like 6-0 Canada over Panama - from the Mexicana FA web site.

[sstackho]

Thursday, January 20, 2005
Canada Blanks Panama 6-0

Jodi-Ann Robinson Scores Hat trick
Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s U20 Women’s National Team continued their defense 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-Kaylen 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-Reanner 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

[The Ref]

So our u20 girls advance to the final round. Depending on the result of their next game, which is against the hosts Mexico, will determine if finishing 1st or 2nd. That result will affect who they play first in the final round. Things have been going well for coach Bridge, but from now on they will be playing winning teams, rather than 'also runs'.

[Richard]

That's the way the cookie crumbles Ref.

[sstackho]

Mexico only beat T&T 2-0. They score two within 17 minutes, but that's all they can muster. Interestingly enough, that leaves both Canada and Mexico on a +12 goal differential.

Presumably the next tiebreaker would be goals scored, and Canada have one more than Mexico, so a draw would see the girls win their group if my understanding is correct.

Second place in the group will most likely face the US in the semifinals. The two semifinal winners qualify for Russia, along with the winner of the 3rd place match between the semifinal losers. So there's a lot of value in finishing first in the group.

[sstackho]

Canada defeats Mexico 3-2 to win the group. Lang with one goal and Schmidt with two.

The semifinals are Wednesday. Their opponent will be determined tomorrow, but it looks most likely to be Jamaica.

[Sigma]

Good result by Canada. I was a little nervous going into this game because Mexico is improving and the game was in Mexico.

[Ivan]

But I thought Mexico were more talented than Canada? And, I read they had made poor lineup decisions?

[sstackho]

Apparently Mexico has some wonderkid Corral who is 14 years old, but she didn't start. She did eventually get on and score.

Women's Under-20 Team
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Canada Too Much For Mexico

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

[sstackho]

A more thorough report now appears on the CSA website. Nice one, Lang.

Sunday, January 22, 2006
Canada Too Much For Mexico

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 - but how quickly it happened probably was.

It took Canada’s Kara Lang approximately four seconds to influence the qualifying tournament when the opening kickoff was rolled to Lang. The Oakville native took one touch then hammered a shot from half that sailed over the head of the Mexican keeper and into the back of the net.

Fifteen minutes later Canadian captain Sophie Schmidt stretched Canada’s lead to two with a powerful volley off a Veronique Maranda corner.

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.

Then Erin McNulty pulled off what might be the save of the tournament when she stretched to push a shot off the post that was destined for the Canadian net and would have surely been the equalizer. The Canadian defense scrambled away the danger.

Shortly after the save, a melee between Jodi-Ann Robinson and a Mexican player resulted in a sending off for Robinson. The Canadians, now a woman down quickly shifted to a 4-4-1 with Lang the lone striker.

Mexico pressed forward with the extra attacker 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.

'I am proud with the way we played this evening,' said Head Coach Ian Bridge.

'To be honest we weren’t very good in the first half despite the scoreline but the way we responded in the second half - especially with 10 players.

'Every one should be credited for this victory.'

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

[Bill Spiers]

Jamaica beats Surinam 9-0
US beats El Salvador 5-0

....so the semi-finals are as expected:

Mexico v. U.S.
Jamaica v. Canada

[hamiltonfan]

Is anything going to be on Sportsnet? Canada semis would be nice to watch.

Canada vs. USA in the championship is going to be a great U20 grils game.

[The Ref]

Sportsnet? they are still trying to find Mexico in the map. Mexico is right there next to San Diego, which they missed too. What a hopeless bunch!

[Sigma]

quote:Originally posted by hamiltonfan


Canada vs. USA in the championship is going to be a great U20 grils game.


The Canada vs USA final a few years back in Ottawa was probably the best women's game I have ever watched.

The US have been coasting a long so far in the tournament, but I still expect them to beat Mexico - although Mexico should give them a game.

[sstackho]

The girls are playing the semifinals against Jamaica. The winner goes to the U-20 WWC(and the finals of the U-20 CONCACAF Championship). The 3rd place winner also qualifies.

Canada up 1-0 at the half.

[hamiltonfan]

any updates?

[sstackho]

Jamaica has tied it up in the second half. 1-1.

[Sigma]

Updates are coming from the Mexican FA site (I think) and they usually only update the non-Mexico games when a goal is scored, start of a new half, or the end of the game.

[Sigma]

quote:Originally posted by sstackho

Jamaica has tied it up in the second half. 1-1.


Hrmm... well it did appear from their games in group b that they have improved. [:0]

[sstackho]

2-1 Canada.

[Sigma]

Hurrah! A quick goal by Canada. :)

[sstackho]

Still 2-1.

CAN 9 Selenia Iacchelli 44"
JAM 11 Kimmia Parker 65"
CAN 19 Lisa Collison 69"

[sstackho]

2-1 FT! The girls are going to Russia!

And the finals of this tournament.

Well done!

[sstackho]

2-1 FT! The girls are going to Russia!

And the finals of this tournament.

Well done!

[The Ref]

Congratulations to the U-20 girls and coaches. I am glad the Jamaican coach is eating crow right now for lunch. What a jerk.

[The Ref]

Congratulations to the U-20 girls and coaches. I am glad the Jamaican coach is eating crow right now for lunch. What a jerk.

[Chet]

quote:Originally posted by The Ref

Congratulations to the U-20 girls and coaches. I am glad the Jamaican coach is eating crow right now for lunch. What a jerk.


Jamaica has nothing to be ashamed of. I believe they were ranked 75th in the world going into this tournament. 2-1 is a good result for them.

[Chet]

quote:Originally posted by The Ref

Congratulations to the U-20 girls and coaches. I am glad the Jamaican coach is eating crow right now for lunch. What a jerk.


Jamaica has nothing to be ashamed of. I believe they were ranked 75th in the world going into this tournament. 2-1 is a good result for them.

[Sigma]

Congrats to the U20's!

I'm looking forward to hearing the result of Mexico vs USA....

[sj]

still too close of a result
would be interesting to know where Lang played.
our veterans does not seems to be scoring goals at the pace they were suppose to with some much playing experience with the national team.
this is not a result we should take into the world cup.
IS Jamaica and Mexico progressing at a faster pace than we are or is our system of play holding us back?

[sstackho]

quote:Originally posted by The Ref

Congratulations to the U-20 girls and coaches. I am glad the Jamaican coach is eating crow right now for lunch. What a jerk.


Why, did he say something?

[hamiltonfan]

sj dont get to worried, this is the U20 team, there young and can have off games and a W is W.

great job!!..lets hope we can get a good start vs. the Yanks...it'll be a great rematch...

ROUND 1-CANADA
ROUND 2- CANADA vs. USA

[The Ref]

quote:Originally posted by sstackho


quote:Originally posted by The Ref

Congratulations to the U-20 girls and coaches. I am glad the Jamaican coach is eating crow right now for lunch. What a jerk.


Why, did he say something?


Yeah, apparently he said: "I saw them play against Mexico, and I'm not overly impressed... Basically, they didn't seem to do anything to frighten us... for us to say 'we can't beat them"

[sstackho]

That doesn't sound too bad. Nor too inaccurate. It was a close match.

[sstackho]

U.S. beats Mexico 3-0 to set up the final (for bragging rights) against our girls on Friday.

[Sigma]

Anyone think Jamaica can beat Mexico?

[sstackho]

Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Canada Qualifies For World Championship

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

[Sigma]

World record for Kara Lang?

"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."

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

[Jeffery S.]

quote:Originally posted by Sigma

World record for Kara Lang?

"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."

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



It was not first half but at the start of the second, Barça scored from kick-off into the half at Celta Vigo, around 1994. Images are rarely seen, as it was a very foggy day, the camera really did not get a decent image of it. The Celta keeper had come out to see what the hell was happening, Romario said to Gica Hagi, "Shoot on goal!", and Gica nailed it over the keepers head.

[strobe_z]

Looks like Mexico will be joining the USA and Canada.. 4-1 over Jamaica. Looks like Jamaica scored the first two goals, but thought it'd be more fun if they gave Mexico the lead.

Here's hoping our girls can beat the USA.

[Christian B.]

1-0 USA after 25 minutes.

Excellent match tracker on the U.S. soccer federation web site.

[Christian B.]

41st minute. still 1-0 US but red car shown to an american player....

[Jeffery S.]

quote:Originally posted by Christian B.

41st minute. still 1-0 US but red car shown to an american player....


Thanks for the head's up, and that is a good match tracker. I see Lang has been subbed out at the half, either Bridge is angry with her play or she has a knock or injury, as that is an odd move when down a goal with one player more. Canada seems to have pressed since the US are down to 10.

[sstackho]

Jamani scores. 1-1 in the 62nd.

[sstackho]

Jamani sets up Robinson. 2-1 in the 63rd!

[sstackho]

2-2 in the 74th.

[sstackho]

2-2 in the 74th.

[sstackho]

And now 3-2 for the Yanks in the 84th. dang.

[sstackho]

And now 3-2 for the Yanks in the 84th. dang.

[Jeffery S.]

Bull.

We see that the US did all their changes early in the half, had fresh legs, while we have just made one and our advantage of an extra player has diminished as the half has worn on. Very typical subbing by Canadian coaches: leave everyone on to the end and sub as little as possible. Even in friendlies. Never sub with tactics in mind, either. Holger was poor in this regard, Yallop too, and it seems to wear off on the rest of the coaches.

[Jeffery S.]

Bull.

We see that the US did all their changes early in the half, had fresh legs, while we have just made one and our advantage of an extra player has diminished as the half has worn on. Very typical subbing by Canadian coaches: leave everyone on to the end and sub as little as possible. Even in friendlies. Never sub with tactics in mind, either. Holger was poor in this regard, Yallop too, and it seems to wear off on the rest of the coaches.

[sstackho]

US wins 3-2 and gets bragging rights.

[The Ref]

I have to stop and start taking note on some of the criticism coach Bridge has been getting. Surely we did not get embarrased by the U.S. but we still lost after going ahead and having numerical advantage.

[sj]

Lang was subbed against Jamaica too
when it was only 2-1 for us.
Bridge sais that we were not playimg to our full potential
who job is it to make sure or find out why we were not playing at our full potential?
poor tactics is what holding our teams back not the players
we were lucky against Mexico.
is bridge still evaluating his players?
Put Lang on any other team is the world she would be a starter upfront all the time and that even at the senior level.
looks like our national either coach does not know evaluate quality players or does not know how to use them to their full potential
and one wonders why so many are missed and end up being picked up by other countries.

[Lynxster]

Lang was subbed at halftime, cause she had to catch a flight back to L.A. Has an important exam to write tomorrow and there was no later flight.

She suffered with Salmonella poisoning (they think?) during the Jamaican and Mexican games. Alot of the team were not feeling 100% the last few days.

Congrats to the team on qualifying for Russia. Lot's of work to do in the upcoming 6 months.

[sj]

poisoning seems to be the latest excuse of choice
remember the boys u-17 game against Mexico and
what was the reason we lost against them in victoria ?
what we are seeing is team below us in this region are catching up to us at a faster pace and teams that are already ahead of us are widening the gap.
what are the differences in programs that allow those other teams to improve at such a faster pace.
when you get score upon twice in the last 20 mins of a game by a team playing a player short
either that team is light yrs ahead of us or the tactics use by our coach was amateur.

[Ivan]

quote:Originally posted by sj

poisoning seems to be the latest excuse of choice
remember the boys u-17 game against Mexico and
what was the reason we lost against them in victoria ?
what we are seeing is team below us in this region are catching up to us at a faster pace and teams that are already ahead of us are widening the gap.
what are the differences in programs that allow those other teams to improve at such a faster pace.
when you get score upon twice in the last 20 mins of a game by a team playing a player short
either that team is light yrs ahead of us or the tactics use by our coach was amateur.



Earlier you said Mexico were more skilled than us, and we beat them 3-2. Now the US (one of the top teams in the world) beats us 3-2, and they are light years ahead of us or our tactics were amateur. So, by your "logic" (assuming you saw the game since you are able to make these comments) we are light years ahead of Mexico?

Another with some sort of axe to grind.

Why can we not just congratulate the girls for reaching the U20 World Cup?

[sj]

the USA scored two goals in a ten minutes span the 74th and the 84th minutes and that with one player short
either we had a complete meltdown or the American team are just way too strong.
the girls did great and its more of a tribute to them that they are going to Russia.
my concerns are,are they being given the proper training and coaches to reach their best which obviously they were not in Mexico.
with their raw talent they are still good enough to compete at this level for now but unless they get quality not just quantity preparation it wont be too long before before we a start to play catch up to teams in this region like the men's team.
most of this team has been playing together for more than 3 yrs.
some are even starters at the senoir level with that kind of experience they should have own that regional tournament.
they were not comfortable against Mexico and so against Jamaica.
both games could have gone either way
Jamaica could have tie it late in the game
the goal that Lang scored was the difference against Mexico
and it was a great individual effort still we did not do much for the next 45 mins.
now that the girls has earn the right to play in Russia it is up to our national association to make sure that the girls gets quality training to be at their possible best comes kick off time in Russia
for sure Mexico and the States will get better by then and if we want to be better than them we must give them the best training and support
which we fail to do in Thailand and for the boy's u-20 in Holland.
where we had the poorest show of all the concacaf teams involved

[Bill Ault]

Some post game games comments via podcast at http://www.blastpodcast.com/viewpodcast.html?id=21017

Ian and I also spoke about the illness and Ian said this was not a factor in the final but there had been some difficulties earlier in the competition.

Bill

[sj]

Bridge was simply outcoached in the US game.
one lone striker means damage control
the US even after they went down to ten never resorted to such tactics they still left 2 upfront that is why they won the game and the reason why they have become a powerhouse at all level in this region.

[Ivan]

how do you know we were outcoached
did you see the game
we were not the worst concacaf team at the U20
honduras got smoked every game they played
so who do you suggest take over the program

[sj]

Sophie schmidt, Kara Lang,Veronique maranda,Amanda chiccini,Aysha Jamani,Emilly Zurrer,
that half of the senoir team right there.
Zurrer was only brought in the game at 90th mins.
with that kind of experienced players did we really had to play a 4-5-1 formation with only Robinson as striker when we have proven strikers at the highest level in Lang and Jamani.
Jurrer was always standout in defense playing for Canada
why was she reduced to bench warmer in that game.
we have more than enough fire power upfront to play a 4-4-2 formation
with a player of the quality of Chiccini in midfield we did not need to sacrifice a striker.
the US played a 4-4-2 formation and 4-3-2 when they play one short.
they still stick to their two strikers to keep our defense busy.
with Robinson as our lone striker their defense had all the freedom to joined in the midfield and outnumbered us in that department thus defeating the purpose of the Bridge's desperate 4-5-1 formation .
AS for the program the CSA is doing a better job of providing training camps and exhibition games for those teams.
the effectiveness and efficiency of those depends was being taught and executed in those camps.