It’s back-to-back wins for Casey Stoney’s side in the FIFA Series.
A resilient Canadian women’s national team defeated South Korea in their second match at Arena Pantanal in Cuiabá, Brazil.
Canada lined up in a 4-2-3-1, with Kailen Sheridan in goal behind a back four of Janine Sonis, Jade Rose, Shelina Zadorsky, and Sydney Collins. Captain Jessie Fleming partnered Carly Wickenheiser in midfield, with Marie-Yasmine Alidou in an attacking role. Olivia Smith and Cloé Lacasse started on the wings, while Évelyne Viens led the line.
Canada threatened early, with Alidou seeing a shot blocked in the 12th minute before Lacasse had an effort denied inside the box shortly after.
The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute, as a clever flick from Lacasse found Viens, who took a strong first touch before finishing past Seobin Woo to open the scoring.
Just four minutes later, however, a poor sequence of passing allowed Son Hwa-yeon in behind the Canadian defence. Jade Rose recovered and won the ball, but the referee still showed a red card, reducing Canada to 10 players.
South Korea capitalized on the resulting free kick, with Kim Shinji curling an effort over the wall and beyond Sheridan to level the match at 1-1.
Casey Stoney responded with an early adjustment, bringing on Vanessa Gilles for Alidou to shore up the defence.
Despite being down a player, Canada remained dangerous. In the 35th minute, Sonis played a brilliant pass to Viens, who was denied by a strong save from Woo.
After four minutes of stoppage time, the first half ended with the match level, the red card casting doubt over Canada’s chances.
Lacasse was replaced at halftime by Julia Grosso as Canada reshaped for the second half.
Four minutes after the restart, Canada won a free kick, and Fleming’s delivery found Gilles, who headed home to restore the lead in the 50th minute.
A quadruple substitution followed on the hour mark, with Smith, Viens, Wickenheiser, and Collins making way for Annabelle Chukwu, DB Pridham, Emma Regan, and Jayde Riviere.
Disaster almost struck for Canada when a giveaway allowed Jung You-jin a clear look at goal, but she sent her shot wide.
Les Rouges extended their lead in the 70th minute from a corner, as Sonis delivered and Gilles rose highest to head in her second of the match, making it 3-1.
Stoney made her final changes shortly after, introducing Kadeisha Buchanan and Simi Awujo for Zadorsky and Fleming.
Canada continued to create chances despite being down a player. Chukwu saw an effort comfortably saved in the 80th minute, then missed a better opportunity five minutes later after being played through by Sonis. Soon after, Grosso fired over the bar following a well-worked move with Pridham.
After five minutes of stoppage time, the final whistle confirmed Canada’s second straight win, following their earlier victory over Zambia.
Canada closes out the FIFA Series on Saturday against hosts Brazil in what will be their toughest test yet, with kickoff set for 6:30 pm PT / 9:30 pm ET.
