Canada wins 2-0 over Korea DPR in Women’s International Friendly Soccer

Canada won 2:0 over Korea DPR in a Women’s International Friendly match on Tuesday 14 June. The match was played at Mancini Park in Roma, Italy, Canada’s last international test before the start of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011. Youngsters Kaylyn Kyle and Jonelle Filigno both scored for Canada.

Both Canada and Korea DPR are currently preparing for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with Canada in Group A and Korea DPR in Group C. Of special note in this match, fullback Rhian Wilkinson made her 100th appearance on the international stage, making her the eighth player to do so for Canada. Head coach Carolina Morace, meanwhile, posted her 25th victory since 2009.

Canada opened the scoring in just the third minute following a corner kick. The ball was crossed in before Emily Zurrer headed the ball on goal. The ball bounced past a pair of players before Kaylyn Kyle touched it last to ensure a 1-0 lead.

Late in the first half, Canada doubled its lead on a goal by Filigno in the 40th minute. The young Filigno already has eight goals in 39 matches for Canada.

Both coaches used the match to see as many players as possible. Both teams featured 17 players, each making the maximum six substitutions.

Canada’s starting XI featured Erin McLeod in goal, Rhian Wilkinson at left back, Emily Zurrer and Carmelina Moscato at centre back, Robyn Gayle at right back, and Diana Matheson, Kaylyn Kyle, Sophie Schmidt, Brittany Timko, Jonelle Filigno and Christine Sinclair from the midfield up through to the attack.

In the second half, coach Morace’s substitutes were Moscato, Gayle, Filigno and Timko off for Desiree Scott, Melissa Tancredi, Marie-Eve Nault and Kelly Parker (46th minute), Matheson off for Christina Julien (70′), and Wilkinson off for Marie-Eve Nault (73′).

Korea DPR’s starting XI featured Kim Chol Ok in goal, Paek Sol Hwi at left back, Jon Hong Yon and Yu Jong Hwi at centre back, Song Jong Sun at right back, Ri Ye Gyong at left midfield, Jo Yun Mi and Jon Myong Hwa at centre midfield, Kim Su Gyong at right midfield, and Ra Un Sim and Yun Hyon Hi up front at forward.

In the second half, coach Kim Kwang Min switched goalkeeper Kim for Ri Jin Sim (46′), midfielders and forwards Jon, Kim and Yun for Kim Un Ju, Kim Myong Gum and Choe Mi Gyong (48′), and substitutes Kim Myong Gum and Choe off for Kim Chung Sim and Kwon Song Hwa (67′).

Both Canada and Korea DPR will participate in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011. The tournament runs 26 June to 17 July