Canada books knockout spot with dominant 6-0 shutout of Samoa at U-17 Women’s World Cup
Canada assured itself of a place in the knockout round at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup with a dominant 6-0 win over tournament newcomer Samoa on Wednesday at the Football Academy Mohammed VI.
Daniela Feria-Estrada, captain Olivia Chisholm, Lacy Kindel, Marika Martineau, and Julia Amireh all scored for the Canadians, who also profited from a Samoan own goal. Amireh, who plays for the North Carolina Courage academy, now has three goals in two games.
It was one-way traffic on a sunny $25^\circ C$ day, with Canada outshooting Samoa a staggering 43-2 (16-0 in shots on target) and earning 11 corners to Samoa’s two. Despite hitting the post twice and facing a packed defence, the Canadians led 2-0 at the half.
Canada coach Jen Herst made eight changes to her starting lineup following their Group D opener, with only Bridget Mutipula, Amy Medley, and Chisholm retaining their spots.
Lacy Kindel scored in the **54th minute off a fine feed by 15-year-old Melyna Alexis. Marika Martineau followed in the 58th minute off a corner. Julia Amireh scored in the *67th minute* on a curling shot that went in off the goalpost. Samoa’s Mia Afoa scored an own goal in the 92nd minute off a corner.
Tournament Context and Group Play
The Canadians opened Group D play Sunday with a 4-1 win over Nigeria. With the two victories, they have secured a spot in the round of 16. The young Canadians will wrap up group play Sunday against France, which faced Nigeria later Wednesday.
The top two teams in each of the six groups, along with the four best third-place finishers, advance to the round of 16 at the 24-team tournament that runs through Nov. 8.
Samoa’s Valiant Defence
Samoan goalkeeper Grace Ae was once again a star for her squad, making numerous saves to deny Canada and keep the score from being even more lopsided. Ae, a 17-year-old committed to play for Cal State Fullerton next year, was also named player of the match in Samoa’s 4-2 opening loss to France, a game where the team was outshot 71-2.
Samoa, a South Pacific island nation with a population similar to Richmond, B.C., qualified by blanking New Caledonia 2-0 in the semifinals of the 2024 OFC U-16 Women’s Championship.
Canada’s U-17 World Cup History
Canada’s best showing at the tournament was fourth place in 2018. They made the quarterfinals in 2008, 2012, and 2014. The young Canadians qualified for the 2025 FIFA tournament in April, going unbeaten in topping their CONCACAF qualifying group under interim coach Gary Moody.
