By Matt Thacker
By Matt ThackerSports Editormthacker@louisvillecardinal.comTypically, the University of Louisville’s women’s soccer team isn’t happy losing 9-0, but then again, they aren’t usually playing against World Cup semifinalists.U of L hosted the Canadian national team at Cardinal Park Saturday afternoon. Though the Canadians, led by six first-half goals, posted the shutout against the Cards, Head Coach Karen Ferguson was proud of her team’s effort.”These aren’t the best college players. These are the best players in all of Canada,” she said. “I thought we played great.”Christine Sinclair had two goals and an assist for Team Canada, while Rhian Wilkinson had three assists and a goal.After being clearly outmatched in the first half, the Cards adjusted and were much more competitive after giving up a seventh goal in the 46th minute. They held the Canadians scoreless for 36 minutes and created a few chances offensively for themselves. In the 82nd minute, Amber Allen scored on a penalty kick and Kara Lang blasted home a free kick in the 86th to finish the scoring for Team Canada.For the Cards, who were playing without any of their seniors because their NCAA eligibility had already expired, it was a learning experience.”It was just a great experience,” junior forward Lauren Podvin said. She said it was exciting getting to play against players she has watched on national television.Four players on the Canadian team roster play in WUSA, the highest level of professional soccer in the United States. Team Canada will be playing several college and international teams this month as it prepares for World Cup 2007 qualification.”It’s always good to get some touches on the ball and just playing together and playing against great competition,” said Canada defender Sharolta Nonen, who also plays for the Atlanta Silverbacks. She said even though the score wasn’t close, they were able to try new formations and tactics.For the Cards, it was an opportunity to learn from the best. Ferguson said that when the Canadians play Team USA on ESPN2 in July, her players will be watching the game in a different light.”When they watch the game, they can say, ‘We hosted them here at Cardinal Park,'” Ferguson said.
