Canada beats Ecuador 5-2 in women’s soccer

Canada’s women’s soccer team opened defence of its gold medal with a 5-2 victory over Ecuador at CIBC Hamilton Pan Am Soccer Stadium on Saturday night.

Labbe was replaced in goal by Beckie for the final minutes of the game.

A shot from midfielder Fletcher in the fourth minute deflected off the hands of Ecuador goalkeeper Shirley Berruz and then off the crossbar.

The Canadians dominated until the 29th minute when Ecuador was awarded a free kick just outside the top of the box.

Zadorsky, who admitted as defender she’s not used to scoring twice in a match, made it 3-1 in the 48th minute off a corner from Beckie.

Beckie and Fletcher scored two minutes apart, in the 77th and 79th minutes respectively, to break the game open.

Canada plays Ecuador, Costa Rica and Brazil in Group B with the top two teams heading to the semis.

Canada not only looks to defend its 2011 Pan Am gold medal with what is essentially an Olympic development team a young roster of players hoping to impress Canada Soccer and eventually make their way onto the senior squad.