Canadian women's soccer team looks to deliver Jamaica knockout punch and book Olympic ticket
CBC
Bev Priestman is still feeling the effects on her voice of a loud and boisterous crowd during Canada's 2-0 victory in Jamaica on Friday.
She's hoping her throat will be even more sore after Canada hosts Jamaica on Tuesday in the second leg of their playoff to determine the final CONCACAF entry for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Priestman, Canada's head coach, said her voice was still gravelly from shouting over the din of the home crowd as the 10th-ranked Canadians beat No. 37 Jamaica.
"I think from a mindset perspective, we have to go into it positively," said Priestman softly about Tuesday's match. "Because I think the worst thing you could do is just drop off and invite pressure.
Striker Adriana Leon, who scored in Friday's win, said she was happy to play at home in front of a sold-out crowd.
"It's definitely exciting that we're playing at home," Leon said. "We don't get a chance to do it too often.
"Hopefully we can start to play at home a little more often, that's something that we've talked about as a team, that's something that we'd like to see. I don't think I've ever played in front of a Toronto crowd of that size, so exciting."
WATCH | Leon adds insurance with late goal in crucial win over Jamaica:
Leon said the physicality of Friday's match was an example of "the state of the game" but that Canada is ready for more.
"We're expecting them to be even more physical tomorrow night, so it's something that we prepared for," Leon said.
Friday's win was Canada's first match since a disappointing finish at the FIFA Women's World Cup in July, where the reigning Olympic champions failed to make it out of the group stage.
Canada tied No. 32 Nigeria 0-0 and beat No. 24 Ireland 2-1 before being eliminated in a 4-0 loss to No. 11 Australia. The result caused Canada to fall from No. 7 to No. 10 in the world rankings.
Striker Nichelle Prince, who also scored in Friday's victory, said the group is dialled in trying to get back to its past ways.
"I think we all had to go back into our own environments and just reflect on what we could've done better individually and as a team," she said. "I just felt a different energy from the team in that we're working harder than ever and I think we needed that.
"Unfortunately, that's maybe what it [World Cup result] took but we don't wanna be in that position again."
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