Rise Higher

The CANMNT may have bowed out of the World Cup this week, but there remains much for Canadians to cheer for, as CANXNT stars were busy succeeding at domestic level across Europe.

In the WSL, Manchester United beat Aston Villa 5-0 at Old Trafford. Despite the heavy scoreline, Adriana Leon still did not see the pitch – a continued theme that is beginning to puzzle Canadian fans. A midweek cup fixture against Everton, however, may provide the opportunity for Leon to play next week, with at least some rotation expected. Shelina Zadorsky, on the other hand, remains a staple of the Tottenham Hotspur backline, captaining the side and playing the full ninety minutes of a 1-0 loss against Reading, after an unfortunate own goal by Amy Turner. Despite the loss, Zadorsky put in a solid defensive shift, with eight clearances and nine recoveries, keeping Reading to just the singular goal.

Jessie Fleming had a storming game this weekend, as Chelsea thrashed Leicester City 8-0. Fleming picked up a brace in the rout, with two simple but calm finishes against a Leicester side that simply fell apart. Fleming also provided her usual creativity from the midfield, serving up six accurate long balls. Buchanan, however, was not in the squad – hopefully, just a precautionary rest, as the reigning champions were playing against a side firmly in the relegation zone.

In France, Vanessa Gilles had the start for Lyon, who pulled off a much needed 8-0 win against Dijon. The French champions have struggled this season, marred by an injury crisis and relatively poor off-season recruitment, but such a heavy scoreline will hopefully get their confidence back on track. Gilles picked up a rare assist on the fourth goal, and boasted a 92% passing accuracy to boot. Paris Saint-Germain, however, had a much more difficult time of their match against local rivals Paris FC, edging a 1-0 victory. Ashley Lawrence, was close to adding another goal – which would be her first of the domestic season – but hit the woodwork.

It was not a successful weekend for all France-based Canadians, however, as Sura Yekka’s Le Havre lost 3-1 to Reims, whilst Marie Levasseur and FC Fleury played Montpellier to a 1-1 draw. 

Elsewhere, second placed Juventus faced off fourth placed Inter Milan, with a comfortable 2-0 win. Julia Grosso, who is quickly becoming a star for the Bianconeri, put in another impressive performance, boasting a 92% passing accuracy, 3/3 successful long balls, 1/1 crosses completed and 2/2 tackles won.

Cloe Lacasse was given a short rest in Benfica’s league match on Saturday, as the team pulled off a comfortable 3-0 win against Ouriense regardless – though the Canadian did register an assist on the third goal, coming on in the 65th minute. Marie-Yasmine Alidou was not in Famalicão’s squad this week, whilst Lysianne Proulx served as the backup goalkeeper in Torreense’s 2-1 loss to Valadares Gaia.

Clarissa Larisey continued her good form for Celtic, scoring just three minutes into their 7-0 win against Dundee United. Larisey doubtlessly could have had more, but a knock to the knee in the 38th minute led to a precautionary half-time substitution. With both Nichelle Prince and Deanne Rose already out with long term injuries, Canada will be desperately hoping that this is nothing serious for Larisey.

Player of the week: Jessie Fleming