Second half comeback against host Finland propels Canada to finals

Trailing 6-12 at halftime, Canada stormed back to score 28 unanswered points to defeat host Finland 34-12 on Thursday evening at the 2013 International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Women’s World Championship in Vantaa, Finland. Canada now moves on to face defending gold medalist, Team USA on Saturday July 6 at 7 PM local time in Finland (noon ET) in a rematch of the 2010 gold medal finals. Canada’s opponent on Saturday defeated Germany 107-7 on Thursday afternoon.

Finland took an early 6-0 lead on the game’s first drive following an unsuccessful two-point conversion.

After forcing a 3-and-out on Finland’s second series, Canada replied when Saadia Ashraf found receiver, Marci Kiselyk with a 9-yard touchdown pass to even the score.

Finland capped an 8 play, 85-yard drive at 01:03 of the first half with a 2-yard run by Kirsti Nirhamo to put Finland ahead 12-6 after the two-point conversion proved unsuccessful once again.

A Julie David 46-yard kick return gave Canada great field position at their opponent’s 22-yard line with 52 seconds to play in the half. Ashraf connected on a 6-yard pass to Kiselyk who stepped out at the 8-yard line to give Canada a 1^st and goal with 37 seconds remaining. On third down, Canada was unable to capitalize as Finland’s blitz brought down Ashraf at the 5-yard line. Finland would go into halftime with a 12-6 lead.

“We faced a tough Finnish opponent tonight,” said Team Canada head coach, Jeff Yausie. “In the first half their offence was firing on all cylinders, scoring two touchdowns.”

“Canada drove the ball at times but came away with 1 TD from 3 red zone possessions.”

To start the second half, Aimee Kowalski (who also handles Canada’s punting duties) started at quarterback. Kowalski utilized her mobility to even the score on a 16-yard keeper down the sideline. The score was set-up by an Alex Black 14-yard punt return to give Canada great field position at the Finland 30. A Lara Guscott extra-point gave Canada the lead 13-12 with 6:28 to play in the third quarter.

“Team Canada rallied in the second half with Aimee Kowalski at quarterback,” added Yausie. “The defense stiffened up and did not allow any second half points.”

“The offence began to roll after Aimee Kowalski’s TD run mid-way through the third quarter.”

Following a critical Émilie Bélanger tackle for a loss on a 3^rd and 1, Finland gambled on 4^th and 8, leading to a turnover on downs at the Canada 25. Riding the momentum from the defensive stand,Kowalski connected with Alia Palmer for a 55-yard completion to give Canada a first down inside the red zone. With 0:13 left to play in the third quarter, running back, Lya Jolicoeur punched the ball in from the 5-yard line to give Canada a 20-12 advantage after Lara Guscott’s extra-point conversion.

After forcing a Finland punt on the next series, Canada continued to air it out. Canada converted on back-to-back third downs, first on 14-yard Alex Black reception which kept the drive alive at the Finland 45-yard line. Kowalski next connected with Roxanna Cox on a 31-yard gain to set Canada up at the 10. A 6-yard run marked Jolicoeur’s second rushing touchdown of the game, putting Canada up 27-12 with 7:33 to play in the contest, following the conversion.

Looking to reply following the score, Amy Mohr recorded an interception on Finland’s opening play to give Canada the ball right back at the Finland 41. A defensive pass interference penalty gave Canada a first down at the Finland 26. A series of Julie David rushes, culminating with a 1-yard touchdown run put Canada up 34-12.

With four minutes left to play, the Finland offense began to click once again as it marched down to Canada’s 20-yard line only to have a Julie Paetsch interceptionsway the momentum back in Canada’s favour.

Running back, Lya Jolicoeur earned Canada’s Player of the Game honors notching 46 yards on 11 carries and two touchdowns. Aimee Kowalski completed 5 of 9 passes for 116 yards while adding 25 yards on 3 carries. Defensively Elizabeth Thomson and Julie Paetsch led Canada with 4.5 tackles a piece.

Action from the 2013 Women’s World Championship can be seen live at, www.wwc2013.com/wwctv.

For more information please visit www.footballcanada.com or the tournament page atwww.wwc2013.com. Join the conversation using the hashtag #FbCWNT.