Canadian women down Panama to reach semis of CONCACAF U-20 Championship

SAN CRISTÓBAL, Dominican Republic — Canada survived dreadful conditions Tuesday to defeat nine-woman Panama 1-0 in quarterfinal play at the CONCACAF Women's Under-20 Championship and move within one win of qualifying for the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.

Holly Ward, a freshman forward at the University of Texas, scored for Canada from the penalty spot in the 30th minute as Panama proved to be tough having two players sent off.

Panama defender Wendy Natis received a straight red card in the 45th minute while captain Deysire Salazar was sent off in the 53rd for a second yellow.

The match started in a downpour at Estadio Panamericano with the rain so heavy that pools of water were visible on the field within the first 10 minutes of play.

In some places, the water stopped the movement of the ball with players slipping and sliding. The rain slowed as the first half ended but pools of water dotted the pitch, affecting play.

The rain had stopped by the time the second half had started. And with Panama down in numbers, the Canadians began to press on attack but could not add to the their lead.

Canada outshot Panama 8-1.

Canada will face Mexico in Thursday's semifinals in a battle of 5-0-0 teams. The Mexicans downed El Salvador 5-1 on Tuesday in Santo Domingo.

The U.S. (5-0-0) will meet Puerto Rico (4-1-0) in the other semifinal. The Americans won 7-0 when they met in group play.

Canada has yet to be scored on at the tournament, holding an 30-0 edge in goals, while Mexico has outscored its opposition 27-1.

The tournament, which runs through Saturday, will send three teams to the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in August. The CONCACAF champion, runner-up and third-place finisher will join host Costa Rica as representatives of North and