The Qantas Young Matildas have suffered a 3-0 training game defeat to Canada, as their preparation for the FIFA U/20 Women’s World Championship continues in Russia.

Played over three lots of 30 minute periods, the match started poorly for the Australian side, which set the tone for the remainder of the game. Canada scored after just one minute and added two more goals in the second period.

The training game also saw injuries to Danielle Brogan (knee), Clare Polkinghorne (head) and captain Sally Shipard (arm), although only Danielle’s is likely to leave her in doubt for the opening game against New Zealand in St. Petersburg on Thursday.

Canada got off to the perfect start with a goal from the kick-off, the shot on the turn giving keeper Lydia Williams no chance as it sailed into the top right corner of the goal.

Things didn’t get better shortly after with Brogan forced off with a knee injury. While it’s thought there is no ligament damage, she will be fully assessed to check the extent of the injury today.

Australia’s best chance of the first period did not come until the 26th minute, Sasha McDonnell heading wide from a Kylie Ledbrook free kick.

Canada to pressure in the second period, keeping the defence and Williams on their toes and that pressure finally told in the 46th minute, when Williams was beaten one-on-one.

It should have been 3-0 ten minutes later, when Canada were presented with virtually an open goal, but a great goal line clearance by Polkinghorne, saved the situation.

However a minute later it was 3-0 to the well-organised Canadian’s and to make matters worse right at the end of the second period, Australia was reduced to 10-women with Kylie Ledbrook receiving her marching orders for a second yellow card.

The final period though actually saw Australia’s best period of the match, as they defended stoutly and had some good moments in attack, despite being down a player