Canada Draws China in Stoney's Debut, Showcasing Promise and Areas for Improvement

Canada's Mixed Bag in Stoney's Debut

Canada's women's national team opened their 2023 campaign with a 1-1 draw against China at the Pinatar Cup. The match, played on Wednesday, February 15th, showcased two distinct halves for the Canadians under new head coach Casey Stoney.

The first half saw Canada dominate possession and take an early lead through Julia Grosso's goal in the 16th minute. However, the second half witnessed a shift in momentum as China equalized in the 58th minute and nearly snatched a win in stoppage time.

Stoney, who took charge of the team in mid-January, expressed mixed feelings about the performance. "I liked the first half. I didn't like the second half," she stated. She attributed the decline to a lack of control and discipline, allowing China to dictate the pace of the game.

Despite the shortcomings, Stoney remained optimistic. "This camp is about making sure that I see as many players as possible," she said, highlighting her commitment to expanding the player pool. The match also marked the debut of several players, including Carly Wickenheiser, daughter of the late NHL legend Doug Wickenheiser.

Canada will continue their tournament journey on Saturday against Mexico before facing Taiwan next Tuesday. With a strong first half performance against China and a focus on improvement, Stoney's team aims to build momentum heading into the 2023 World Cup.