This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
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Canada’s Women’s U-17 team may have lost 2:0 to their fiercest rivals from the USA at the CONCACAF U-17 Women’s Championship, but it was a troubling moment late in the game is what will stay with them the most.
With Canada already trailing by two, defender Mika Richards was called for a foul on American Mallory Pugh in the Canadian penalty area. Both players went down as Richards seemed to get a hold of Pugh’s jersey and the Americans were awarded a penalty.
But it was Richards who got the worst of it, as she was stretchered off the field after being down on the field for a few minutes.
“Mike is currently getting an x-ray as a precautionary measure and we are awaiting an update,” said Head Coach Bev Priestman of Richards’ condition.
The Americans jumped in front when Zoe Redei opened the scoring in the 36th minute when she struck a shot on the half volley near the penalty spot that couldn’t be stopped by Canadian goalkeeper Rylee Foster.
There was little Foster could do in the 62nd minute when Redei was the provider in crossing into Mallory Pugh, who tapped home from close range.
Though Richards’ teammates where naturally concerned about the well-being of their teammate, they were lifted at least a little bit when Foster stopped the penalty kick that resulted from Richards’ foul and then made another stunning stop on the follow-up to keep Canada within two.
With the loss Canada finishes second in Group B and faces Group A winners, and hosts, Jamaica on Thursday.
“We got what we expected from the US which was a high aggressive press which is something these girls haven’t yet experienced from their previous two internationals in this championship,” said Priestman. “It can only help us going in to the semi final against Jamaica, which will be a tough match physically.”
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