In their second of three matches for the group stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada and Utah Royals FC midfielder Desiree Scott clinched a spot in the Round of 16, defeating New Zealand and fellow Royals FC defender Katie Bowen 2-0.
Scott assumed her role as part of the starting midfield for Canada and played the full 90 and almost scored twice, but was robbed of an opportunity at goal by Bowen, her club teammate with URFC.
For the Football Ferns Bowen started in the central midfield role and played a critical role in the squad’s defense, saving a goal off the line in the early minutes of the match to keep New Zealand’s hopes of moving on alive.
Both squads will play a final match in the group stage on Thursday, June 20 at 10:00 a.m. MT. Canada will face their co-leaders for Group E – Netherlands - and the winner of the match will take the top spot going into the next round. Bowen and New Zealand will take on Cameroon, a win against the African nation will keep them in the race for a possible “best of third place” spot in the Round of 16.
