Mitts' first career goal defeats Canada 1-0 in Olympic tune-up

2004 SoccerTimes.com

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 3, 2004) -- Two days after being selected to play in her first Summer Olympics, defender Heather Mitts scored her first international goal, providing the difference for the United States women in a 1-0 decision over Canada in a friendly before 9,110 at The Coliseum tonight.

It was the first time the U.S. women played in Nashville. It was Canada's first outing since failing to earn a berth in the Athens Olympics with a depressing qualifying tournament performance in Costa Rica in March.

"We have to give Canada credit," U.S. striker Mia Hamm said. "They take pride in their physical play, so we had to battle for every scoring opportunity we had tonight."

The U.S. outshot Canada 20-8, 10-3 on frame, and had Canada chasing for most of the 90 minutes. Despite repeatedly springing attackers behind the Canadian backs, the Americans could not forge ahead until the 73rd minute.

Mitts' decisive tally came after Canadian goalkeeper Taryn Swiatek, under pressure, misplayed a clearance and gave the Americans a right-side corner kick. Hamm found midfielder Shannon Boxx eight yards from the near post for a solid header. About a yard from the left-center of the goal line, Mitts swung her right leg to redirect the ball into the net for the 1-0 advantage.

"I am usually at the top of the box on corner kicks, but the (coaches) moved me closer to the net just prior to the kick," Mitts told The Canadian Press. "Fortunately, the ball landed right in front of the net and it was a pretty easy kick from right there.

"I made the Olympic team and scored a goal. It's been a good week. After the game, I couldn't stop smiling."

While Mitts was earning her 20th cap, U.S. goalkeeper Kristin Luckenbill recorded her first international shutout after making her first start and fourth overall appearance. She made four saves and was strong on high balls played into her box.

"The game of soccer is such that one team can dominate and the other team can hang in there until the end. That is what happened to us tonight," U.S. coach April Heinrichs said. "We played well and created a plethora of chances. Any other night, we might capitalize on four or five of those chances. Tonight we only scored one."

Early in the game, the U.S. thought it had earned a penalty kick when Canada captain and midfielder Charmaine Hooper took Hamm down in the right side of the penalty area, but referee Kari Seitz let play continue.

American forward Abby Wambach was dangerous on numerous occasions, but it was a frustrating night for the 5-foot-11 striker. In the 11th minute, Wambach powered into the left side of the box and cut a pass back to Hamm, but her shot was deflected by the sliding Swiatek.

Hamm had a great chance in the 18th minute when she slipped behind the Canadian defense, but in trying to lift the ball over Swiatek, she also cleared the crossbar.

"I had chances to score tonight, but I still have a lot to work on," said Hamm, whose next goal will be the 150th of her career. "I just have to stay positive and realize that I need to take my opportunities when I get them."

In the 32nd minute, Swiatek came up with great point-blank save of Wambach's shot after Hamm had lifted a pass into the box.

Canada had two dangerous chances in the first half, the first coming off an attempted cross from midfielder Christine Sinclair deep on the right flank. The ball tailed to the top right corner where Luckenbill grabbed it.

Canada's second chance came in the 44th minute when a long free kick sailed into the U.S. box. It was knocked down to Sinclair who cracked a shot that was headed for net before a leaping Boxx deflected it away for a corner kick.

Sinclair, who plays collegiately at Portland, came up empty in her attempt to score her 50th career goal.

In the 38th minute, Aly Wagner chipped a bouncing ball over the defense to Wambach, but she shot over the bar.

Canada spent most of the second half defending, leaving midfielder Aly Wagner more room to maneuver, but she just missed connecting with her attackers on several occasions.

The U.S. back four of Mitts, Cat Reddick, Kate Markgraf and Christie Rampone was well-organized in dealing with a steady slew of long balls, as well as the runs of Sinclair and Christine Latham.

"We dominated, but they did a good job hanging in there," Heinrichs said. "I'll take a 1-0 win any night."

The U.S. is 3-0-1 in the six-game tour used to prepare for the Olympics. The team will take almost a week off before returning to its residency camp in Carson, Calif., July 9-18. The Americans play Australia in Blaine, Minne., on July 21, a 7 p.m. (ET) start of a game to be televised by ESPN2. Then, the U.S. will take on China August 1 in Hartford, Conn., a 3 p.m. match also on ESPN2.
United States 1, Canada 0

Lineups: United States - Kristin Luckenbill, Heather Mitts, Cat Reddick, Kate Markgraf, Christie Rampone, Shannon Boxx, Julie Foudy - captain (Heather O'Reilly 69), Kristine Lilly (Lindsay Tarpley 60), Aly Wagner (Angela Hucles 75), Abby Wambach (Cindy Parlow 69), Mia Hamm. Canada - Taryn Swiatek, Christine Latham (Melissa Tancredi 79), Marie-Eve Nault (Isabelle Morneau 46), Emily Zurrer, Andrea Neil, Charmaine Hooper (captain), Randee Hermus, Christine Sinclair, Diana Matheson, Kara Lang (Ayasha Jamani 73), Brittany Timko.

Scoring:
United States - Mitts (Boxx) 73.

Shots: United States 20, Canada 8. Shots on goal: United States 10, Canada 3. Saves: United States 4, Canada 9. Corner kicks: United States 13, Canada 3. Fouls: United States 7, Canada 15. Offside: United States 5, Canada 3.

Referee: Kari Seitz (United States). Assistant referees: Sharon Wheeler (United States), Karalee Sutton (United States). Attendance: 9,110 at The Coliseum in Nashville. Weather: Clear, humid, 79 degrees.