By Elias Laradi
Canada is through to the final four of the W Gold Cup after needing extra time to record a second straight win over Costa Rica beating them 1-0 thanks to a goal in extra time from Quebec-born Evelyne Viens.
"It just felt like the ball just couldn't cross the line," Bev Priestman said post-game.
"All credit to Costa Rica." - Canada Head Coach, Bev Priestman
Canada once again dominated in shots and possession but lacked finish against a stubborn Costa Rica said that spent the majority of the game in a defensive low block leading to frustration.
The last time Canada went to extra time was back at the Olympics in Tokyo when they beat Sweden on penalties to win the gold medal.
Viens scored the only goal of the contest in the 104th minute off a looping free kick from Jesse Fleming and she was finally able to head a ball past Costa Rica goalkeeper Daniela Solera who played an impeccable game into the back of the net.
Two minutes later she almost had another one as with the ball she turned and fired a shot on target forcing Solera to make another outstanding save.
Bev Priestman’s group finished the night with 39 shots and 10 on target with 13 corners compared to only one for Costa Rica.
Canada improved to 16-0 lifetime against Costa Rica and has outscored them 51-6 most recently beating them on Wednesday night 3-0 in Houston, Texas.
Kailen Sheridan who wasn’t busy made a massive save late in the game in extra time denying Alexa Herrera sticking out her right foot to make the save.
Evelyn Viens gave her thoughts on her goalkeeper coming through once again in a key moment.
"That's just Kailen," said Viens. "It's typical. When she's in goal, I know we can get a clean sheet."
Bev Priestman also added, "Big players come up big in big moments,"
Canada outshot Costa Rica 16-1 in the first half and had 70% possession but failed to score as both teams went into the halftime deadlocked at 0-0.
"In a knockout game, when it's not coming or it's not coming off, set piece after set piece, you could see the frustration and the panic setting in," said Priestman. "So it's an unbelievable learning moment for us."
Costa Rica only reached the knockout stage by a drawing of lots as they were equal with Puerto Rico on goals and cards.
Olivia Smith didn’t feature in the game as Priestman confirmed she was unavailable but One Soccer who broadcast the game said she was in concussion protocol.
"We've had a bit of a great run," said Priestman. "In many ways maybe we needed this game, a little bit, to set us up for the next game."
Canada will either face the USA in a potential rematch of the W CONCACAF Championship Final or World Cup quarter-finalists, Colombia, as that game is scheduled for Sunday night at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
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