The girls finished a deserving 5th place with a record of 3 wins and 2 losses. Starting the tournament matched up with NB and the eventual winner BC, the girl’s camp was confident in their abilities to achieve a berth in the quarter-finals. The game against NB started tight, but after 14 minutes Nkem Ezurike started her Canada Games campaign with a lovely finish on the near side of the keeper. Nerves were lost shortly afterwards and the girls took over and dominated the game until the final whistle. Ezurike earned a well deserved hat-trick while Maggie Malone went on a soaring run that spilt 4 defenders and finished with authority.
The BC game was a true battle for our girls. Tactically BC eliminated Nkem with a great man-marking/screen job from Erin Uchacz and Natalie Boyd, both named to the Canada Games all-star team. The NS girls worked ferociously in the first half only to concede a free-kick on the 45 minute mark. The second half was a battle in the midfield where we struggled to compete physically and athletically. The back four worked hard and kept their concentration by defending well together. A 1-0 loss seemed to be a fair result considering we lost the midfield battle and against a big 4 province.
Entering the quarter-final stage of the tournament our girls were matched up against Quebec. After an emotional night, the girls were ready for their 2nd opportunity to a favorite in the tournament and challenge for a semi-final berth. With a few tactical changes in the line-up, we started the game bright and after 15 minutes of hurried play, both teams settled to play one of the best matches of the tournament. We held them until the 32’ and 37’ marks when they scored almost carbon copy goals from their left hand side. After a well deserved half time, NS responded by out chancing Quebec for the next 30’, but struggled to capitalize on 3 good chances. With time running out, Quebec scored 2 more goals to increase their lead to the final score of 4 – 0. Our players will be remembered for their great character and lack of luck during this game.
The remaining games were to be against Saskatchewan and Newfoundland. The players overcame set-backs and focused in on a key message of “bouncbackability” and “pride”. Credit to their togetherness, we won the remaining games 3-0 and 3-2 respectively.
I am sure that upon reflection, a 5th could have been a 3rd or 4th, but in the true sense of the games, the global player growth has to be the main positive in this amazing experience. Every player should be proud of their commitment and comfortable with their role for the team.
Lastly a warm thank-you to all involved, and best wishes to the Canada Games Men this week
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