Canada soccer team’s scandal-plagued Olympic run ended by penalty shootout loss to Germany

MARSEILLE, France (AP) — Canada women’s soccer team lost a penalty shootout to Germany in the quarterfinals of the Paris Games on Saturday, ending an Olympic run marred by a drone-spying scandal.

Goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger saved two penalties then converted on her own attempt to send Germany into the semifinals with a 4-2 shootout win after a scoreless draw through extra time.

Canada’s players were mentally exhausted following the loss, after winning all of their matches in the group stage to overcome a points deduction as punishment for video surveillance of an opponent.

“I can’t quite find the tears because I shed them all this past week,” Canada defender Vanessa Gilles said. “So to have gotten this far, I think is a testament to our group.”

Germany, which won the gold medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, will play the United States in the semifinals Tuesday in Lyon. The United States defeated Germany 4-1 earlier in the tournament.

Berger’s penalty sealed Germany’s win after she stopped attempts by Ashley Lawrence and Adriana Leon.

“I was surprised about myself, that I I calmed myself down, and I didn’t feel any pressure whatsoever,” Berger said. “So it was a pretty cool feeling when it hit the net and saw the goalkeeper going the other side.”

Sydney Lohmann nearly scored for Germany in the second extra period but her header from some six yards out just skimmed the crossbar.

Leon had perhaps the best chance of the match for Canada in the 71st minute when she threatened on a fast break, but Berger was ready.

Canada reached the quarterfinals despite having six points deducted from the standings after team staff were accused of using a drone to film an opponent.

Canada clinched its quarterfinals spot as a third-place team with a 1-0 win over Colombia. Hours before the game on Wednesday, Canada lost its appeal of the FIFA’s points deduction before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

FIFA, soccer’s governing body, also banned Canada coach Bev Priestman for a year and fined Canada soccer $227,000.

Before the tournament’s start, New Zealand reported a drone flying above training. Authorities later detained a Canada team analyst and confiscated surveillance equipment.

Two staff members were immediately sent home and Priestman removed herself from the Olympic opener.

But Canada Soccer CEO and general secretary Kevin Blue said evidence came to light that the surveillance was a “systemic ethical shortcoming,” and Priestman was also sent home. Andy Spence was leading the team in her place.

Spence said his job going forward is to support the players as Canada Soccer continues its independent investigation.

“I think it’d be unfair to me to start making comments around something that’s much bigger than me,” he said.

Canada forward Jordyn Huitema’s mother, Julie Huitema, was among the Canadian supporters at the match. She suggested the players have come together in the face of the scandal.

“They’re meshing like they’ve never meshed before,” Julie Huitema said. “They’re bringing each other up.”

Canada captain Jessie Fleming was injured and did not return after halftime.

“It’s just tough. Sometimes football doesn’t go your way, and, that was us today,” Fleming said. “But I’m just so proud of part of this team. And I think there’s a lot of positives to take away from this tournament. I mean, I really feel like we had them on the ropes in the second half.”

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AP reporter Giovanna Dell’Orto in Marseille contributed this report.

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AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games