Shelina Zadorsky was on target as Canada came from a goal down to defeat Costa Rica 4-1 in a friendly played at BMO Field in Toronto.
The West Ham United defender equalised from the penalty spot on 70 minutes, cancelling out Maria Salas’s first-half opener for Costa Rica.
Zadorsky’s goal sparked an outburst of four goals in 17 minutes for Canada. Forward Holly Ward put Canada in front on 74 minutes, Zadorsky’s fellow centre-back Zara Chavoshi made it 3-1 on 82, and substitute Emma Regan completed the come-from-behind victory with a goal four minutes from time.
It was no more than Canada deserved, in truth, as the North Americans dominated their opponents, enjoying 78% possession and outshooting Costa Rica 20 goal attempts to three across the 90 minutes.
Zadorsky’s goal was her eighth for Canada on her 112th appearance for her country. The 32-year-old, who hails from London, Ontario, has been playing for Canada since 2013, won Olympic Gold in 2020 and Bronze in 2016, and has appeared at two FIFA Women’s World Cup finals and three CONCACAF Championships.
The Hammers defender will hope to find the net again when Canada travel south to take on the United States at Audi Field in Washington DC on Wednesday 2 July.
Elsewhere, Manuela Paví started as Colombia drew 0-0 with Mexico in a Copa America Fémenina warm-up friendly played at the Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez.
The West Ham winger played the opening half before being withdrawn at half-time as Colombia prepared for the South American continental championship finals, which will kick-off in Ecuador on 12 July. Colombia have been drawn in Group B alongside Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Venezuela.
Paví went close to marking her 30th cap with a goal as her header was blocked by Mexico centre-back Rebeca Bernal.
The two countries will meet again at the Estadio Agustín Coruco Díaz in Zacatepec de Hidalgo on Wednesday evening.
Colombia start their Copa America Fémenina campaign challenge when they face Venezuela in Quito on Wednesday 16 July.
