Canada banks first win over Swiss in 2013 Cyprus Women's Cup (Photos)

Canada got off to a nice start yesterday at the 2013 Cyprus Women's Cup with a 2-0 victory over Switzerland at the GSZ Stadium in Larnaka, Cyprus.

Sophie Schmidt scored a second-minute winner on the day she made her 100th appearance for Canada.

Diana Matheson sealed the win with a second goal in the 79th minute.

"It was good to get a win in our opening match of the tournament," said head coach John Herdman. "We scored early, which gave us the advantage, but the Swiss did well during spells of the match so we know we have some things to improve on as well."

Canada stunned Switzerland when an early attack led to Matheson playing a pass to Schmidt at the edge of the area. Schmidt, Canada's captain on the day, made no mistake in placing the finish in the top right corner in the second minute.

The Swiss attempted to mount a comeback early in the second half , but the game was ultimately decided in the 79th minute when Matheson ran clear through on goal and popped the ball over the keeper to make it a two-goal spread.

The win takes Canada to the top of Group A.

The Canadians will next take on Finland at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia on March 8.

www.canadasoccer.com

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, Ottawa Soccer Examiner

Ron Patey followed his all-star soccer-playing career in Canada and the U.S. by keeping close tabs on the beautiful game since the 1970s. During his 21 years as special sections editor for the Ottawa Sun, he covered portions of the soccer scene in the nation’s capital. Ron’s reports include news...

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