April 19 Friendly - Netherlands v Canada [R]

[The Ref]

The WNT played Holland on a tough game and Andrea Neil scored late in the second half to be a goal up. But the eternal defensive miscues resulted in Holland tying the game in injury time 1-1. Holland complained about the physical game of our girls but it was the home team who pushed they way around and were more tough. I think Pellerud is begining to realize that his problem resides in defense, at least he admits they need to improve coordination at the back. Since the lost to Sweden at the last WC I have noted that miscues at the back are costing us goals. Our defenders need to cover their behinds more responsibly when a colleague makes a mistake. Perhaps a more stable group of defenders can learn to do that with more aplomb. It is time for Pellerud to start scounting for defenders instead of getting forwards all the time. When you think that the majority of the defenders used to play forward before, maybe is time to think on getting players that have been defenders before. All in all a fair result considering the long trip to the Netherlands and the accommodations there.

[Massive Attack]

Women's World Cup Team

Wednesday, April 20, 2005

Canada Ties Holland 1-1

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s Women’s World Cup Team tied Holland 1-1 on Tuesday, April 19th in Apeldoorn, Holland. Canada struck first, but was unable to keep the one goal lead to the final whistle.

Canada’s Andrea Neil scored her 20th career goal in 102 appearances for Canada in the 81st minute.

Holland tied the match in injury time.

Seventeen year old Sophie Schmidt of Abbotsford, BC played 90 minutes and earned her first cap with the senior team.

“Holland is probably the weakest of the European opponents in this series of games. However, they were coming off a tie against France last week, a very strong result, and provided a good fight on a rain drenched pitch,” said Head Coach Even Pellerud. “After a rusty start, our players gained control and we were dormant in most of the game. We could not finish off our goal chances in the fist half and needed 80 minutes to score.”

“During the last 10 minutes, we allowed Holland to dominate us and our decision making in the back four was not good. All in all, the tying Holland goal in added time was well deserved.”

Canada will play Germany on Thursday, April 21 in Osnabrück, Germany and again on Sunday, April 24 in Hildesheim, Germany. Their final match of the European tour will be played against France on Wednesday, April 27 in Strasbourg, France.

http://canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2125

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Netherlands ties Canada

APELDOORN, Netherlands (CP) - Canada gave up a goal in injury time and had to settle for a 1-1 tie with the Netherlands in a women's soccer friendly Tuesday.

Midfielder Andrea Neil scored in the 80th minute to give the 11th-ranked Canadians the lead, but the No. 17-ranked Dutch side pressed hard for the game-tying goal and drew level in th 91st minute. "We made a lot of mistakes in the back four in the final 10 minutes and they took advantage," said Canadian head coach Even Pellerud.

Tuesday's game was the first in a series of European friendlies for the Canadians as they prepare for World Cup 2007 qualifying after a long layoff from international play. Canada will play Germany, which shares the No. 1 women's ranking with the United States, on Thursday. They wrap up the tour with another game against Germany on Sunday and a match against France on April 27.

Pellerud said the team, particularly the defence, will need to play a more cohesive game against the powerful Germans.

"We will need more consistent decision making in our defence to avoid easy goal-scoring opportunities against us," he said.

Sophie Schmidt, a 17-year-old defender from Abbotsford, B.C., made her national team debut Tuesday and impressed Pellerud.

"She was one of our best players," Pellerud said.

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/Canada/2005/04/19/1004335-cp.html