Canadian women down England, head to World Cup on high note

Sophie Schmidt scored a highlight-reel goal midway through the first half to send Canada into the Women's World Cup on a winning note with a 1-0 victory over England in a friendly Friday.

The goal, on artificial turf before 23,197 at Tim Hortons Field, came after a slow start for the Canadians, who grew in confidence as the game wore on. Canada strung passes together and looked more creative in trying to open up the visitors.

England is ranked sixth in the world, two places above Canada.

The Canadian women head to Edmonton on Tuesday in advance of their June 6 World Cup opener against China in Group A, which also features New Zealand and the Netherlands.

Schmidt scored the game's lone goal in the 24th minute, sweeping in a feed from makeshift fullback Josee Belanger with a right-footed one-timer on the edge of the penalty box. Her 16th goal for Canada was a beauty.

She came close on several other occasions, on a free kick in the first half and a close-range shot early in the second after a
twisting run through the penalty box. She also threatened in the 78th minute when, all but wearing an English defender, she poked the ball wide.