Canadian women lose 1-0 to Spain in Algarve Cup soccer tournament final
SAO JOAO DA VENDA, Portugal — Canada’s bid to defend its Algarve Cup title ended in a 1-0 loss to Spain in the final of the 12-team women’s soccer tournament Wednesday.
Fourth-ranked Canada trailed after five minutes when FC Barcelona’s Leila Ouahabi connected on a high shot from outside the penalty box. The goal was only the second conceded by Canada in four games at the tournament.
Still coach John Herdman can take solace from the young talent he fielded. The average age of the Canadian starting 11 was just under 22. Desiree Scott, 29, and goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe, 30, were the only starters over the age of 23.
For Canada, who threw everything at the 14th-ranked Spaniards in search of a tying goal, it was a disappointing end to the tournament. As in the final group game against Portugal — a 0-0 tie — Canada generated a string of chances but was unable to convert.