August 20, 2000

Canada forces 1-1 draw with USA squad that was unable to finish

United States 1 Canada 1 Arrowhead Stadium - Kansas City, Mo. August 20, 2000 - Kickoff 2:00 p.m. CT Attendance: 21,246 Weather: Very hot, breezy -- More than100°F on the field
Scoring: USA Lilly (Penalty Kick) 74th minute. Canada Walsh (Kiss) 75
USA 18 Mullinix (1 Scurry, 23) 3 Pearce 14 Fawcett 15 Sobrero 6 Chastain ( Parlow, 57 ) 13 Lilly 11 Foudy 2 Fair 8 MacMillan 16 Milbrett 9 Hamm (10 Akers, 77 )	Canada 22 LeBlanc 3 Boyd 6 Nonen 7 Morneau 8 Dion 5 Neil 13 Walsh 18 Kiss 12 Sinclair 17 Burtini (14 Lee, 77) 10 Hooper Misconduct: Hooper (caution) 20 Boyd (caution) 41.
Officials Referee Ali Saheli (USA) Asst. Referee Shahram Pourazari (USA) Asst. Referee Calin Znamirovschi (USA)	Statistical USA Canada Shots 31 5 Saves 2 9 Corner Kicks 14 1 Fouls 11 23 Offside 4 1

Game report

A much improved but defensive Canadian team managed to obtain a rare tie with their southern neighbours whose perfunctory performance in front of the goal was aided and abetted by a wall of defenders though much of this game.

Fortunateley, for the home team and their fans, one of their best players and current scoring leader was allowed to play a few minutes of the second half. Substitute Parlow earned a penalty kick with a dominating performance that reminded one that she could be the teams future superstar and replacement for Akers given the opportunity. Her presence was evident from the time she entered the game and her skill level was responsible for for the only U.S. goal.

Defensive errors allowed Canada even up the score within one minute for inspite of being forced to play from a defensive position throughout the match their physical style of play was a reminder to the USA that they will face Norway next month.

Post game quotes

U.S. Head Coach April Heinrichs
"Tonight's game wasn't about Canada or what our series record is against them. Today, we were playing ourselves. We were very pleased with the second half. We battled, fought, clawed and created chances and had some very bright moments, and at the end of the day, it's pleasing to see how hard they played the last 30 minutes."

Mia Hamm
I think we played pretty well. We are a bit fatigued now and that led to a couple of technical breakdowns, but you have to give Canada credit. They came out and played hard and pressured us all over the field. Our mindset coming into every game has to be to go out there and take it from the other team. No other team is going to give it to us. We have to play for 90 minutes, because one half isn't going to do it. We're all looking forward to going on the break and coming back revived, rejuvenated and refocused."

Other

Scurry replaced starter Mullinix in 23rd minute after Hooper had clashed with Mullinix while both were sliding for a through ball. Scurry was forced to make just one save just before halftime when she captured a 17-yard blast from Hooper with a diving save.