CHULA VISTA, Calif. – February 9, 2016 – The U.S. Women’s National Team met Canada beneath the 83-degree heat of the Californian sun for the second match of a four-game capped series. The final match report recorded a score of USA 5, Canada 0.  

The same intensity from the first match was in full force during the teams second meeting in 2016. Settling into a quick rhythm from the starting whistle, Michelle Vittese (Cherry Hill, N.J.) made an outlet pass at the center midfield line to Caitlin Van Sickle (Wilmington, Del.) who spotted Katie Reinprecht (Perkasie, Pa.) to break into the circle for a penalty corner in the 3^rd minute. Although that chance was denied by Canada’s defensive wall, USA lit up the scoreboard in the 14th minute when Jill Witmer (Lancaster, Pa.) located Loren Shealy (Charlotte, N.C.) who dented the backboard with a clean shot from the center of the circle, turning the score USA 1, Canada 0. Canada quickly transitioned play into their attack to receive a penalty corner, but quick fly Melissa Gonzalez (Mohegan Lake, N.Y. ) scooped up the ball before Canada could fire a shot. Kelsey Kolojejchick (Larksville, Pa.) struck hard to bury the ball into the left corner of the goal to make the score USA 2, Canada 0.

Shortly after in the 21^st minute, USA attack pushed play into their offensive end to nicely setup Emily Wold (Freehold, N.J.) who secured the result. Following quickly after, K. Reinprecht capped off scoring in the second half with a high flick into the mesh at close range. In Team USA’s backfield, Witmer sprinted out of the defensive corner unit to steal the action away from Canada to keep them scoreless in the first 30 minutes of play. The halftime score closed with USA 4, Canada 0.

The USA would score one more time during today’s contest. Off of a penalty corner, Rachel Dawson's (Berlin, N.J.) direct hit glided past the Canada defense to up the score USA 5, Canada 0. When play did transition into the USA defense, USA goalkeeper Jackie Briggs (Robesonia, Pa.) came up with a huge glove save to keep Canada at zero and shutting down another Canada advance. A steady attack presence continued through the second half of the game. Stretching the pitch and utilizing the depth, Team USA tested the Canadian backfield on several long runs into the offensive end. The impressive attack presence remained a constant until the conclusion of the 60 minutes to secure a final corner opportunity that was missed. The final report stood USA 5, Canada 0.

“Back-to-back games for us are important part of this week,” said Craig Parnham, USWNT Head Coach. “It gives us that physical challenge, certainly in that latter part of the game. Canada defended stoutly toward the end of the game and I was pleased that we were able to keep our tempo and energy high. It’s a testament of the work that’s done everyday preparing for the games.”

The series continues with the USWNT competing against Canada Thursday at 12:30 p.m. PST. Follow live match updates by following @USAFieldHockey on Twitter.