Adriana Leon scored a hat trick, forward Olivia Smith scored her first senior goal and Canada blanked Paraguay 4-0 on Sunday night to remain undefeated in the women’s soccer Gold Cup.
Captain Jessie Fleming could have made it 5-0 with a penalty in second-half stoppage time after reserve Simi Awujo was tackled, but her shot crashed against the bar transversal.
It was the first match between Canada, 10eand Paraguay, 50e, in the senior ranks. And it was a one-sided match, after Canada outshot its opponent 24-2 (and 12-1 in shots on target).
The South Americans tried to congest their defensive territory, but nothing worked.
“We just had to adapt certain tactical elements,” explained Canadian coach Bev Priestman.
“Paraguay has a good team, and we approached this match knowing that and respecting it,” she added. We wanted to attack, but also be responsible defensively. But yes, it was very difficult to break their defensive block. »
Leon, who scored two goals in Canada’s 6-0 victory against El Salvador (No. 106) in the curtain-raiser of the competition on Thursday evening, hit the target in the 25e49e and 77e minutes to bring his total to 36 successes in 107 appearances on the international scene with the maple leaf.
The first women’s Gold Cup tournament will run through March 10 in Houston, Los Angeles, San Diego and Carson. The winning teams from each group, as well as those finishing second and the two best clubs finishing third will advance to the quarter-finals.
The men’s soccer Gold Cup tournament has been held since 1991, and Canada triumphed in 2000.
The CONCACAF zone brings together North America, Central America and the Caribbean.