Canada defeats Spain to open 2013 Women’s World Championship

To face host Finland on Thursday for trip to final

Game stats

Canada marked five opening half touchdowns including three from running back, Julie David in a 50-0 win against Spain in game four of the 2013 International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Women’s World Championship in Vantaa, Finland.

David supplied the game’s opening two scores for Canada on back-to-back touchdown runs from 9 and 5 yards respectively.

Later in the half, a fumble recovery by linebacker, Emilie Bélanger gave Canada excellent field position just outside the Spain 20-yard line. Unable to capitalize, Canada was forced to punt. The ensuring punt return was fumble by Spain and recovered by linebacker, Elizabeth Thomson at the Spain 19-yard line.

Canada would not be denied on their second opportunity to capitalize on a turnover. A 22-yard Julie David run put Canada inside the 20. Quarterback, Saadia Ashraf then found her Montreal Blitz teammate Sophie Roy on a 12-yard play action pass to make the score 21-0 with 1:30 to play in the opening quarter.

Julie David marked her third touchdown on the day while on special teams, returning a punt 70 yards for the major to put Canada up by 28 at 11:03 in the second quarter.

Late in the second quarter, Canada hurried Spain’s punter, forcing a short kick which was corralled by defensive back, Julie Paetsch and returned 35 yards to put Canada up 35 at the half.

Late in the third quarter, a 36-yard run by Mallory Starkey gave Canada a first down at the Spain 10-yard line. Quarterback, Saadia Ashraf scrambled away from pressure to set up a Starkey 1-yard touchdown major. On the conversion attempt, holder Claire Dore was unable to pin a high snap. Dore instead pitched the ball to kicker, Lara Guscott who ran the ball in for the 2-point conversion.

Running back, Tara Keohan added a 47-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter to push Canada’s lead to a 50-0 final.

Julie David was named Canada’s Player of the Game totaling 152 yards on the day. Emilie Bélanger led Canada defensively with 8 total tackles (6 solo and 4 assisted) including 4.5 tackles for a loss of 19 yards.

Canada faces Finland on July 4 at 8 pm local time in Finland (1pm ET) with the winner moving on to the championship game to face the winner of Germany and the USA.

Action from the 2013 Women’s World Championship can be seen live at, http://www.wwc2013.com/wwctv/.

For more information please visit www.footballcanada.com or the tournament page atwww.wwc2013.com. Join the conversation using the hashtag #FbCWNT.

Team Canada Schedule