Canadian women's soccer team ties Mexico in final home match before Paris Games

Canada had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Mexico on Tuesday in a physical finale of a two-game women's friendly soccer series.

Kadeisha Buchanan opened the scoring for ninth-ranked Canada. Jacqueline Ovalle replied for No. 31 Mexico, which is ranked third in CONCACAF after Canada and the fourth-ranked Americans.

The return leg of the "Summer Send-Off Series" marked the Canadian women's final game on home soil before heading to Europe to defend their Olympic title at the Paris Games next month.

The Canadians blanked Mexico 2-0 on Saturday in Montreal in a game where the home side took its time reaching top gear.

Canada controlled the game from the get-go Tuesday, with the feeling a goal was coming soon. But the final pass often did not match the buildup and it was scoreless at the half despite 62 per cent ball possession. Mexico launched a few counterattacks but lacked teeth in attack.

WATCH | Buchanan's head helps Canada secure draw with Mexico:

The Canadians came out with purpose in the second half and the breakthrough came in the 48th minute with Buchanan scoring on a looping header off a Shelina Zadorsky cross.

It was a sixth goal in 149 appearances for the imposing Chelsea centre back.

Mexico replied in the 70th minute with Ovalle, beating Jade Rose and then goalkeeper Sabrina D'Angelo with an spectacular swerving shot from distance. The tying goal added drama to the final 20 minutes.

Canada appealed for a penalty in the 77th minute when Olivia Smith went down in the box but Costa Rican referee Marianela Cruz was unmoved.

There was a nasty moment late in the game when Mexico's Karen Luna bodied Jordyn Huitema, who did not have the ball, to the ground in front of the Canadian bench. Luna was booked on the play but