In-form Indian eves subdue Canada 3-1 in USA tour

Manheim, July 24 (ANI):The Indian women's hockey team produced yet another brilliant performance as they defeated Canada 3-1 in their second consecutive encounter of the USA tour in Pennsylvania on Saturday. India immediately started off on the offensive and had a shot on target within the first few minutes, one that was saved by Rowan Harris in Canada's goal. A penalty corner was also squandered away, before the game settled into a midfield battle, as the teams played out a stalemate heading into the first break. Despite Canada's fresh start in the first quarter, India were the ones who broke the deadlock via Poonam Rani in the 19th minute. Canada equalised shortly after via Natalie Sourisseau. India went under sustained pressure after the equaliser as a green card for Deep Grace Ekka left them a player short. Canada won a flurry of penalty corners but failed to convert any with the Indian eves determined and putting bodies behind the ball. The defensive work paid off as they went into half time with the scores level at 1 goal apiece. India hit back immediately after the restart, Renuka scoring from a direct shot off a PC in the 32nd minute. Soon enough India were the ones creating all the chances and pressuring Canada into mistakes off the ball. A second PC in the quarter saw a goal disallowed after a direct shot went into the net. Deep Grace had a chance later on, but went narrowly wide as India went into the break leading 2-1. It was all one way again in the final quarter, as India played the game out in the midfield, denying Canada the ball and a chance to equalise. Anuradha scored another with two minutes to the hooter, a shine on their performance as they won their third consecutive game of the tour. India will next lock horns with Canada on July 26.(ANI)