Canada captures silver at 2013 Women’s Worlds

Photo ©Jari Turunen

Game stats

In a 2010 gold medal finals rematch, a strong American squad defeated Canada 64-0 on Saturday July 6 in Vantaa, Finland at the 2013 International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Women’s World Championship. Prior to facing Canada, defending gold medalist, Team USA had outscored its opponents by a combined 191-7 in their opening two games.

Throughout the game Canada struggled to string an offensive series together to create any momentum.
“Our offence moved the ball at times but we were not able to capitalize in the red zone,” explained head coach, Jeff Yausie. “Defensively we struggled to contain the US offence who were able to both run and throw the ball.”
After forcing a punt on Canada’s first drive, an Emma Hicks sack for a loss of 7 gave Canada early hope. The Americans replied as their opening drive continued after a 5-yard penalty made it 2^nd and 22 at their own 22-yard line. A 20-yard 3^rd down conversion extended the US drive. Working in the no-huddle offence at mid-field, a 47-yard run brought the Americans into the red zone at the Canada 7. Team USA capitalized on the opportunity, pulling ahead to an early 8-0 lead after a two-point conversion.

With Canada’s offence struggling early on they looked to make a change to quarterback, Aimee Kowalski whose mobility was a catalyst for their second half comeback against Finland on Thursday. Unfortunately for Canada a first quarter injury to Kowalski (who is also Canada’s punter) took her out of action.

After forcing a Canada punt, the Americans struck again quickly on a 4 play, 55-yard drive.

Now trailing by 16 with two minutes to play in the first quarter, a Julie David 22-yard kick return started Canada’s drive near mid-field. Starting quarterback, Saadia Ashraf found her Montreal Blitz teammate Sophie Roy on a 14-yard passing gain to give Canada a first down at the American 36-yard line. To end the opening quarter, a screen pass to Alex Black drew a defensive holding penalty to give Canada a first down at the US 24-yard line. The offensive attack stalled to begin the second quarter leading to a turnover on downs at the US 23.

Taking over at their own 23, Team USA matched its way to the Canada 46 where it faced a determined Canada defense. Back-to-back strong tackles by Emma Hicks and Julie Paetsch limited the US to 4 and 1-yard gains respectively. Facing a 4^th and 5, Team USA completed a 10-yard pass to bring up a new set of downs at the Canada 31. From there another USA touchdown widened the lead to 22 at 7:37 of the 1^st half, on a drive that lasted 4:19, spanning 77 yards over 10 plays.

The US scored twice more to widen its half-time lead to 36.

After trailing by 50, Canada’s final third quarter possession began strong as a Julie Paetsch kick-off return started Canada at their own 37-yard line. To open the drive a 14-yard Julie David run gave Canada a quick first down at mid-field. From there the US tightened up defensively to force a 4^th and 11. Canada attempted a fake punt pass which fell incomplete but drew a flag on the play. The infraction looked to be an interference call however the penalty went against Canada, giving the US a fresh set of downs at mid-field to start the final quarter.

Trailing by 64 with 5:56 left to play, a 34-yard Julie David kick-off return once again gave Canada good field possession at the US 46-yard line. On 3^rd and 11 on the US 47, a defensive pass interference call gave Canada a fresh set of downs at the US 32-yard line. A 17-yard Saadia Ashraf conversion to receiver, Lara Guscott looked to have given Canada a fresh set of downs at the US 14 however another offensive pass interference penalty brought the play back. Now facing 3^rd and 24 at the US 46 yard line quarterback, Saadia Ashraf found receiver, Alia Palmer on a completion 12-yards short of the 1^st down. A terrific Amy Mohr punt pinned the US at their own 11-yard line. With 2:27 left to play, the Americans ran out the clock to capture their second straight Women’s World Championship title.

The defensive duo of Julie Paetsch and Marie-Noelle Beaulieu stood out for Canada in the defeat. Paetsch who was named Canada’s Player of the Game led with 11.5 tackles including 11 solo tackles while recording 2 tackles for a loss of 4 yards. Beaulieu recorded 5.5 total tackles (5 solo and 1 assisted).

As she has done throughout the tournament Julie David also shone bright on the evening totaling 134 all-purpose yards including 119 kick return yards.

“Women’s football is growing in Canada and our participation in the 2013 world championships has united our country,” added Yausie.