Canada finishes second at Yongchuan Cup

Canada rounded out the 2011 Yongchuan Cup Four-Nation Women’s Tournament with a 1:0 victory over Sweden. Canada won six points in three matches, but finished second in the competition behind first-place winner USA.

Both Canada and USA finished tied with six points (two wins and one loss), but USA finished first because they won the head-to-head battle against Canada on Match Day Two. Host China PR finished third while Sweden finished fourth. Sweden won the Fair Play award.

Canada’s Christine Sinclair was named Most Valuable Player while China PR’s You Jia was the Best Goalscorer. USA’s Nicole Barnhart won the Best Goalkeeper award.

Canada won its opening match 3:2 over China PR, but then lost its second match 1:2 to USA. Canada closed out with a 1:0 win over Sweden. Sinclair scored three goals while Tancredi scored two goals.

Source: canadasoccer.com

Tags: 2011, canada, china, four, nations

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Permalink Reply by Brian Robertson on January 25, 2011 at 18:22

Just as background to this, Canada's WNT has undergone, and is undergoing, quite a transformation under the guidance of new WNT coach Carolina Morace.
We garnered success many years earlier on the world stage, when many women's programs internationally were but in nascent form.We were physical, athletic and very, very direct.Very much like recruiting the biggest baddest girls at U/10 and setting them loose to run over people.This was the leitmotif of our program for many years.
Then everyone grew up.
They grew up learning a more refined technical game and we found ourselves adrift.The ironic part of this was the complete disconnect between our national program and the club level.Frankly, there were club teams that could have schooled our national team, if they had been given the opportunity.Many fine coaches were and continue to teach creative, technical soccer at the grass roots.
I digress.
Morace has invigorated, enlivened and restored the integrity and effectiveness of the WNT and brought the team into the 21st century.
There is a looooong way to go, but at least there is game intelligence at the helm, now.

Permalink Reply by Women's Soccer United on January 25, 2011 at 18:36

Thank you for the background info Brian, its interesting to read the progress and development of Canadian soccer and you can certainly see that the WNT are benefiting from their current guidance. Definitely strong contenders at the World Cup, only beaten by goal difference at this tournament and winning the recent CONCACAF cup and Tournament of São Paulo's city!

Brian Robertson said:

Just as background to this, Canada's WNT has undergone, and is undergoing, quite a transformation under the guidance of new WNT coach Carolina Morace.
We garnered success many years earlier on the world stage, when many women's programs internationally were but in nascent form.We were physical, athletic and very, very direct.Very much like recruiting the biggest baddest girls at U/10 and setting them loose to run over people.This was the leitmotif of our program for many years.
Then everyone grew up.
They grew up learning a more refined technical game and we found ourselves adrift.The ironic part of this was the complete disconnect between our national program and the club level.Frankly, there were club teams that could have schooled our national team, if they had been given the opportunity.Many fine coaches were and continue to teach creative, technical soccer at the grass roots.
I digress.
Morace has invigorated, enlivened and restored the integrity and effectiveness of the WNT and brought the team into the 21st century.
There is a looooong way to go, but at least there is game intelligence at the helm, now.

Permalink Reply by 3dhgzd3imuffv on January 25, 2011 at 19:03

I agree. The team is looking much better and are under some great direction by Morace. I actually got to see them play back in 2003 when WC was held in the US. They looked great then, but they are looking even stronger now. Can't wait for this WC to come around. I think there will be some very exciting games and I hope Canada does well. Their first game will be very tough though.