In Canada’s second match of their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign, the team picked up their first victory, coming back from a one goal deficit to defeat the Republic of Ireland 2-1. OL Reign midfielder Quinn and forward Jordyn Huitema both earned another start and played 90 minutes for the second game in a row.
The match was off to an unusual start for Canada, when Ireland’s Katie McCabe opened the scoring in the fourth minute, marking the earliest goal Canada has ever conceded at a World Cup. McCabe scored directly from a corner kick to give the first-time World Cup participants the lead.
The teams continued to battle through the first half, with Canada chasing the game and Ireland attempting to keep their hopes of advancing in the World Cup alive. Just as the half was coming to a close, Canada found a stoppage time equalizer. Julia Grosso attempted a shot, which was redirected into the back of the net by an Ireland player.
After going into halftime level at one goal apiece, Canada and Ireland were back on the field for a gritty second half.
In the 50th minute, Huitema fired a shot from distance and very nearly found the equalizer, but Ireland goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan was there to save the shot.
Eight minutes into the half, Canada found their game winner. Starting in the midfield with Quinn taking on three Ireland players to win the ball for Canada, Sophie Schmidt then played a ball to Adriana Leon centrally. Leon took one strong touch before poking the ball into the back of the net.
Canada held the lead for the rest of the match, despite Ireland’s efforts to find a second goal. With the 2-1 victory, Canada now sits atop the Group B standings with four points.