ANALYSIS + HIGHLIGHTS: Leon, Smith shine as CanWNT cruise to W Gold Cup win vs. Paraguay
The Canadian women's national team continued to dominate in the Concacaf W Gold Cup, putting up a 4-0 win over Paraguay to follow up on a 6-0 tournament opening victory over El Salvador.
Canada got on the board just before the half-hour mark as Adriana Leon showed off the acrobatics with a sweet first-time volley, which, after a lengthy VAR review, stood as the opener for the 1-0 lead. Olivia Smith then added a second goal in the first 45 minutes, going for power with her shot to stun the Paraguay 'keeper and earn her second in as many games in the W Gold Cup.
Leon continued to add to the goal-sheet early in the second half, too, rounding out a flurry in front of goal to add a second to her name on the day and give Canada a 3-0 lead. But she wouldn't stop there, adding a third in emphatic fashion moments later to secure a hat-trick and move to joint-fourth all-time in team goal-scoring alongside Janine Beckie (36 international goals).
Leon and Smith made way for substitutes shortly after, and Canada held their 4-0 lead through to added time, when Simi Awujo was brought down in the penalty box with minutes to go before the final whistle. New captain Jessie Fleming stepped up to take, but hit the crossbar with her shot, ending the match with a comprehensive victory regardless.
Canada next take on Costa Rica on Feb. 28 (PRE-SHOW: 5:30PM ET / 2:30PM PT on OneSoccer) to round out their Concacaf W Gold Cup group stage.
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