Canada scores 4 late goals to defeat Costa Rica 4-1 in women's soccer friendly in Toronto

A poor start turned into a happy ending Friday as late goals by Shelina Zadorsky, Holly Ward, Zara Chavoshi and Emma Regan lifted Canada to a 4-1 comeback win over a resolute Costa Rica in an international women's friendly Friday in Toronto.

The goals came in the 70th, 74th, 82nd and 86th minute as the eighth-ranked Canadians finally found an answer for No. 43 Costa Rica. And they offered a glimpse of things to come with a first Canada goal for Chavoshi and Regan, a second for Ward and a senior debut for under-20 captain Annabelle Chukwu, an 18-year-old star in the making.

A small but enthusiastic crowd announced at 10,105 cheered Canada on at BMO Field. But while the Canadian women had 81 per cent possession in the first half, they were unable to unlock the Costa Rican defence and went into the break trailing 1-0.

"I wasn't pleased with our first-half performance at all," said Canada coach Casey Stoney, flanked by her two daughters. "I thought we turned the ball over in silly areas, made technical errors, didn't keep enough positional discipline which kind of played into their hands a little bit."

Some changes in style of play and talent from the bench helped turn the tide.

"Real character in the second half. We really committed to what we wanted to do. First half not good enough," said Stoney.

WATCH l Canadian women beat Costa Rica in 'Pride Celebration' match:

Canadian women's soccer team defeats Costa Rica in friendly

The Canadians now head to Washington, D.C., for a stiffer test against the top-ranked U.S. on Wednesday.

"We've got a much tougher test on [Wednesday]. It's a whole another level of opponent we're playing," said Stoney. "If we don't start well, we could come unstuck."

Some desperate Costa Rican