For the first time in her decorated field hockey career, Sara McManus is heading to the World Cup.
The Canadian national team veteran and stalwart defender from Tsawwassen helped her country earn its first berth to the world showcase event in 28 years thanks to a bronze medal finish at the Pan American Championships in Chile. The World Cup takes place this summer in the Netherlands and Spain.
Canada trimmed the United States 1-0 in the third-place game, avenging an earlier 3-1 loss in preliminary play and earning the last World Cup berth up for grabs.
“I think we’re all overwhelmed right now,” said McManus, moments after the win. “We’re going to take tonight to celebrate and just get back to work. We’re excited to train and prepare for the World Cup.”
With only 15 seconds left in the opening quarter, Amanda Woodcroft banged in a loose ball off a corner for what proved to be the game’s only goal.
After a scoreless second and third quarter, USA ramped the pressure up in the fourth. Wave after wave of American attackers descended on the Canadian net. Goalkeeper Rowan Harris back-stopped a gritty Canadian defense, led by McManus, that defended multiple late penalty corners.
It was back in the fall of 2019 when McManus and Canada came agonizingly close to securing its first trip to the Summer Olympics since 1992, falling in a penalty shootout to host Ireland. The team has added several new faces since, including Tsawwassen’s Rob Short taking over as head coach.
