Canada's women's national team could not pull Australia back in a 1:2 loss this evening in Sydney, Australia. The Matildas scored two goals before Kara Lang got one back for the Canucks early in the second half. The Canucks hit two crossbars thereafter, but could not score the equaliser.
Australia got off to a quick start, testing Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod in the first minute. Australia kept coming, but McLeod was in position for saves in the 9th and 20th minute. In between, she took a hard knock on a challenge by Kaitlin Munoz.
In the 22nd minute, Amy Chapman opened the scoring for the Matildas. Munoz's shot was stopped by McLeod, but Chapman was there for the rebound. Canada countered with some chances and was in deep with several corner kicks, but Munoz then made it 2-0 in the 40th minute.
In the second half, Canada breathed life into its offence with the Lang goal, the 30th of her senior international career. Captain Christine Sinclair made the initial threat but was stopped by Australia's Clare Polkinghorne on the line. Lang followed through with the shot for goal.
In the 73rd minute, Canada nearly evened the score when Melissa Tancredi hit the crossbar. Five minutes later, Sinclair connected with the crossbar off a terrific shot just inside the penalty area.
In the dying minutes, Canada pressed deep with a couple of corner kicks. The Canucks, though, could not get the point.
Canada, whose title sponsor is Winners and presenting partner is Teck Cominco, now has a record of five wins, four draws and four losses. Along with her 30th goal, Lang reached a milestone by playing in her 75th senior international.