Defender Shelina Zadorsky scored twice to help Canada shut out Costa Rica 3-0 at the CONCACAF Gold Cup on Wednesday.
The Canadians maintained a perfect record with three wins and first place heading into the weekend’s quarterfinals.
Jordyn Huitema also scored for Canada, which led 2-0 at the half after controlling the ball 73 percent of the time, at Shell Energy Stadium.
All three goals came from headers, with Canada, 10th in the world, taking advantage of its height advantage over the opponent, 43rd.
It was a 50th game at the helm of the maple leaf for Bev Priestman, whose record is 31-9-10 since taking office in October 2020.
The Canadians now fly to Los Angeles for the quarterfinals at BMO Stadium, home of MLS’s Los Angeles FC.
The Olympic champions already had their place in the quarter-finals. The victory against Costa Rica means they have the best performance among the eight teams remaining in the competition.
The three group winners, the three runners-up and the two best third-placed teams qualify for the round of 16. Canada will play on Saturday.
The only other team with three wins was Brazil, who finished on top of Group B with a 3-0-0 record.
Canada, which has yet to concede a goal during the tournament, improved its differential to plus 13.
Mexico (2-0-1) topped Group A, ahead of the Americans (2-1-0).
Canada took the lead in the 11th minute when Jessie Fleming’s ball found Huitema, whose downward header beat goalkeeper Daniela Solera.
Adriana Leon, who has five goals in the tournament, became a passer in the 27th minute by placing a corner at the far post, which Zadorsky redirected with a header.
Captain Rocky Rodríguez had Costa Rica’s best chance, but her shot hit the crossbar in the 70th minute.
Canada dominated El Salvador 6-0 and Paraguay 4-0.
After Los Angeles, the tournament moves to San Diego for the semifinals and final at Snapdragon Stadium on March 6 and 10, respectively.