Canada wins gold at Guadalajara 2011

For more information on the championship match, please read the 27 October 2011 match report.



Karina LeBlanc made two saves on kicks from the penalty mark to secure Canada’s first gold medal in women’s football at the Pan American Games. Canada won 4-3 on kicks following a 1:1 draw with Brazil in the 27 October championship final at the Estadio Omnilife in Guadalajara, Mexico.



This marks Canada’s third medal at the Pan American Games, following silver at Santo Domingo 2003 and bronze at Rio 2007. Canada finished fourth at the inaugural Pan American Games Women’s Football Tournament at Winnipeg 1999.



After winning back-to-back gold medals, Brazil took home the silver medal at Guadalajara 2011 behind Canada. Host Mexico, meanwhile, won bronze following a 1:0 a.e.t. victory over Colombia.



In the championship final, Brazil scored early (Debora in the fourth minute) and Canada scored late (Christine Sinclair in the 87th minute) before the match was sent to extra time. Following 120 minutes, both teams lined up for kicks from the penalty mark.



Canada scored on three-straight kicks before LeBlanc stopped Grazielle on Brazil’s third attempt. Both sides traded goals before Candace Chapman hit the post on the fifth kick. LeBlanc then made her second save – this one on Debora – to give Canada the gold.



Canada finished the XVI Pan American Games with a record of three wins and two draws. All time, Canada has 12 wins, four draws and five losses in four Pan American Games Women’s Football Tournaments (1999 to 2011).



Canada also maintains its winning record this 2011 season: 13 wins, four draws and six losses. Canada and Brazil have posted draws against each other in their last five encounters dating back to 2008. Christine Sinclair, who scored the dramatic equaliser, has scored three of Canada’s four goals in those five matches.