International Recap: Jordyn Huitema and Quinn Advance to Olympics Quarterfinal with Canada
Seattle Reign FC forward Jordyn Huitema and midfielder Quinn are headed to the Olympics quarterfinal round after advancing out of the group stage with Canada. Both players appeared in all three group stage matches for the 2020 gold medalists.
Next up for Canada is a quarterfinal match up with Germany on Saturday, August 3 at 10:00 a.m. PT. The winner of the match will move on to the semifinal.
In the first match, Canada downed New Zealand 2-1, making a comeback after initially conceding a goal to New Zealand. The goal, scored in the 13th minute, was scored on a corner kick. Katie Kitching served a ball into MacKenzie Barry, who skillfully controlled the ball and turned, taking one last touch to find the back of the net. In stoppage time of the first half, Cloe Lacasse pulled Canada level.
In the second half, Canada applied more pressure to New Zealand, determined to take three points from the match. In the 60th minute, Quinn’s header off a set piece forced a crucial save from New Zealand to keep the game tied. The game winning goal was scored by Evelyne Viens in the 79th minute, as Jesse Fleming found her with a through ball. Viens made no mistake as her first-time finish found the back of the net and secured the win for Canada.
In the second match of the group stage, Canada once again overcame on a one goal deficit to win 2-1 against France. The majority of the first half favored France, emphasized by Marie-Antoinette Katoto's goal, scored just before halftime. Combining with Kadidiatou Diani and Kenza Dali, Katoto gave France the lead going into halftime.
The second half momentum shifted in favor of Canada, allowing the team to begin another valiant comeback. Just 12 minutes into the match, a cross from Ashley Lawrence was rebounded out to Fleming, who cleaned up the play, tucking the ball into the back of the net. Deep into stoppage time, Canada used their last attacking opportunity to crown their comeback. Huitema took a shot, forcing a save from the French goalkeeper, but Vanessa Gilles finished the follow up to seal the win.
In the team’s final group stage match of the tournament, Canada defeated Colombia 1-0. The lone goal of the match was scored by Gilles, once again coming up big for the defending Olympic champions. Gilles used her head to hit home a cross from Fleming and secure the perfect group stage run for Canada.
Despite a six-point penalty, Canada’s three wins in three matches was enough to move onto the quarterfinals, where the team will take on Germany at 10:00 a.m. PT on Saturday August 3.