Goals from Gilles, Leon help Canada beat Mexico at Pinatar Cup for 1st win under Casey Stoney
CBC
Casey Stoney has her first victory as Canada coach, but it came with some bruises as the sixth-ranked Canadian women survived a physical challenge from No. 31 Mexico to win 2-0 Saturday at the Pinatar Cup in Murcia, Spain.
Vanessa Gilles celebrated her 50th cap with a goal and Adriana Leon added a late strike to give Canada the win.
Mexico had more scoring chances in the first half at Pinatar Arena but the game changed after Mexican defender Annia Mejia was sent off for a second yellow card in the 40th minute.
"Thy were extremely physical," said Stoney. "At one point I actually said to the fourth [official] my player safety was a concern to me."
The Canadians broke the deadlock in the 51st minute when Olivia Smith's corner found Jordyn Huitema, who headed it over to Gilles to head home. It was an eighth goal for the 28-year-old centre back from Ottawa and the fourth in her last eight matches.
WATCH | Gilles scores winner as Canada blanks Mexico at Pinatar Cup:
Gilles, who made her senior debut in November 2019, has become one of the first names on the Canadian team sheet.
"I said at the end of the game it's not easy to get one cap. So to get 50 is quite the achievement," said Stoney, a former England captain who won 130 caps. "She's a big leader and a big part of this group.
"I'm just really pleased for her — sealed it with a win, a goal and a clean sheet."
The shutout went to goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan, her 30th in 52 starts (and 57 appearances) for Canada.
Leon scored her 42nd goal in her 123 international appearance, doubling the lead in the 89th minute when she knocked the ball into an empty goal after a nice buildup by Nichelle Prince and Evelyne Viens.
Canada had 64 per cent possession and outshot Mexico 13-11 (5-3 in shots on target) after being outshot 6-4 (3-1 in shots on target) in the first half.
WATCH | Leon seals win against Mexico with late goal:
Canada drew No. 17 China 1-1 in Stoney's debut as Canada coach on Wednesday, while Mexico blanked No. 42 Taiwan 4-0. China defeated Taiwan 4-0 earlier Saturday.
Graham Thomas sees a calm confidence and a deep hunger in his team.
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