Summer Universiade women’s soccer (Aug. 17): Canada’s run stopped by Japan

Photo credit Freestyle Photography

SHENZHEN, China (CIS) – Canada’s hopes of winning a medal at the 26th Summer Universiade in women’s soccer were dashed on Wednesday night, as a talented Japanese squad dominated the Canadians 6-0 in their quarter-final matchup at the University of Shenzhen Sports Center.

STATISTICS: CAN vs. JPN

Canada hoped to make the semifinals for the first time in women’s soccer at the FISU Games, their best result being a fifth place performance in Buffalo in 1993 and in Turkey in 2005. Canada can try again for fifth, beginning with a placement game against South Korea on Friday at 7:30 p.m. local time (7:30 p.m. ET). 

“Our opponents controlled the space and exploited our defence with some excellent passing,” said Team Canada head coach Graham Roxburgh. “We thought we had a shot at halftime, but the third goal completely took our legs out from under us. Japan is one of the top teams in the tournament, along with Brazil, and this loss is very disappointing for our girls.”

With a very creative attack, Japan spent the night in Canada’s zone, constructing multiple scoring chances and hitting the crossbar in the 17th minute. The Japanese were finally rewarded in the 23rd minute after a perfect shot by team captain Risa Ikadai from 30 yards out, bending the ball off the left post to open scoring.

Only 15 minutes later, Ami Otaki, a former York University student and varsity athlete, beat Canadian keeper Rachel Bebek on a breakaway to the right side to give Japan a 2-0 advantage at the half.

In the 50th minute, Otaki again found herself all alone in the Canadian end, and made the most of the opportunity to put Japan ahead 3-0. Otaki completed the hat trick in the 78th minute, with a quick strike from just outside the box. In the 82nd minute, Yuko Takeyama added one more, while Otaki scored her fourth goal in the 90th minute to add insult to injury.

“We now have to show our character and go after a fifth place finish,” added Roxburgh.