SPORTS

Canada's women's soccer team loses1-0 to Germany in friendly

The Canadian Press Published Wednesday, June 19, 2013 4:16PM EDT

Canada's women's soccer team loses to Germany

Canada's defense watches a free kick by Germany's Celia Okoyino Da Mbabi, left, during the international women's friendly soccer match between Germany and Canada in Paderborn, Germany, Wednesday, June 19, 2013. (AP / Martin Meissner)

Text:

PADERBORN, Germany -- Leonie Maier scored the lone goal of the game to lead Germany's women's soccer team to a 1-0 win over Canada on Wednesday.

Maier launched a shot from the right side in the 53rd minute to beat Canadian 'keeper Erin McLeod.

The seventh-ranked Canadians have never beaten Germany, but had to have been pleased with their performance against the world's No. 2-ranked team.

Germany had averaged three goals a game against Canada in the previous 10 meetings between the two teams.

Canada held the Germans scoreless for the first 45 minutes for the first time in its history.

The Germans outshot Canada 19-4 in front of 9,781 fans, and had an 8-2 advantage in shots on target. The Germans took 15 corner kicks, while Canada had none.

Two players made their debut for Canada's senior women's side -- forward Melissa Busque started the game, while Rachel Melhado came on at centre back in the 72nd minute.