Australia, Canada get wins in Algarve Cup

Kailen Sheridan, recent Sky Blue draft pick, earned her first start of the Algarve Cup and her second overall cap for Canada. She was trying to help secure another win for the team who had beaten Denmark 1-0 on Wednesday.

Yesterday, against Russia, the Canadian national team was able to get out to an early start and scored two goals in the first 26 minutes of play. Canada dominated much of the first half and Sheridan was not truly tested until the second half. Russia received a free kick between the goal box and the corner flag in the 58th minute. From the free kick, Russia sent a cross into the box that was headed into goal by a leaping attacker. Other than the free kick goal Sheridan did not let in another goal. Canada would finish the game with a 2-1 win.

Canada’s next game will be against Portugal on Monday, March 6.

Australia also played a match in the Algarve Cup yesterday. They took on the Netherlands in a must win game after the Aussies lost to Sweden earlier in the week. Sam Kerr got the starting nod again for the Matildas.

This game, Australia provided plenty of offense and ended up scoring three goals against the Netherlands. Kerr had a chance to add a goal of her own early in the second half when her speed had her streak down the field, but her shot was blocked. Late in the game the Aussies almost blew their 3-0 lead with two late goals from the Dutch and almost a third in stoppage time. However, Houston Dash keeper Lydia Williams made a game-saving stop that allowed Australia to keep the win and earn a much needed three points.

Australia will take on China on Monday at 10 am E.T. and will need a win to have a chance at advancing in the Algarve Cup.

The top two teams from each of the three groups go through to the final round. Canada sits atop their group with six points and Australia is in second place of their group with three points.

The games are not available to watch in the U.S., but if fans would like to follow along and see if Sheridan and Kerr are able to continue on stay up to date on twitter by following @CanadaSoccerEN and @TheMatildas.