Improved Ferns show aggression in loss to Canada

The Football Ferns were more resolute in their second meeting with Canada in the space of three days, losing by one goal instead of four.

They were much-improved defensively in the 1-0 defeat in Montreal yesterday, starting from the front, where they pressed their opponents with more intent.

The Olympic champions took the lead in the 16th minute through Adriana Leon, but were quieter on attack than they were at TD Place in Ottawa at the weekend, where they won 5-1.

After the match, coach Jitka Klimkova and defender CJ Bott both said their frontfoot defending had played a large part in producing a closer contest.

‘‘The last game we were a bit too passive,’’ Bott said.

‘‘We had a game plan, but we were still kind of learning, and we took the last few days to focus on some really simple yet very effective ways that can help us take down these top teams.

‘‘We were really aggressive off the front which allowed us to maintain the ball and get the ball and be a bit more creative in the middle and final third.’’

Bott was also proud of how the Ferns had been willing to ‘‘play football’’ – that is, keep possession – during the two matches, and they will now look to build on that in the November international window, where they are hoping to play South Korea.

Klimkova´ made three changes, handing Anna Leat a start in goal in place of Erin Nayler, and giving Jacqui Hand and Gabi Rennie starts in the front three.

The Ferns were more dynamic in attack than they did in Ottawa and their pressing was more coordinated, helping them to win the ball in more dangerous areas.

Olivia Chance sent an early shot wide when she had time to pick out a runner and that scenario was repeated late in the first half when Rosie White, on for Rennie after 40 minutes, opted to shoot instead of playing Chance in.

Canada coach Bev Priestman made four changes and her side took the lead in the 16th minute. Right back Janine Beckie was involved for the sixth goal in a row, this time forcing a save from Leat with her initial shot.

Adriana Leon, a team-mate of Leat’s at West Ham United in England, then pounced on the ball ahead of centre back Meikayla Moore and finished neatly.

Ria Percival had the Ferns’ best chance of the first half when she tested Canadian goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe´ with a dipping shot from distance in the 26th minute.

There wasn’t a lot of goalmouth action for either team, but Leat did have to make a save to deny Leon a second in the 55th minute, when the striker tried to volley one past her.

Hannah Blake came off the bench in place of Hand with 25 minutes to play, as the Ferns sniffed a chance for an equaliser and a rare draw against their North American opponents.

Emma Rolston and Ava Collins also joined the fray, for Daisy Cleverley and Chance, but the Ferns couldn’t fashion a late goal and had to accept their 13th defeat in their past 14 matches.