The Matildas pressed for a late equalizer with Canadian ‘keeper Kailen Sheridan pushing a header from Sam Kerr off an Australian corner in stoppage time to preserve the win.
Kerr, the Matildas’ star striker, had a slew of scoring opportunities but could not beat Sheridan.
Leon, who plays her club football for Manchester United, put Canada ahead in the 11th minute off a Jessie Fleming free kick. The ball was cleared by an Australian defender but only as far as Bianca St-Georges who sent it over to Jordyn Huitema. The OL Reign striker teed the ball up for Leon, who hammered a right-footed shot from the edge of the penalty box past the outstretched hands of diving goalkeeper Lydia Williams for her 25th goal for Canada.
Saturday’s game was the first for Canada since July when it qualified for the World Cup by virtue of finishing runner-up to the…
