June 22, 2009

PRAGUE, Czech Republic - Brooke McKenzie, a Stanford assistant coach, scored three goals to help the Canadian national team edge England, 10-9, in dramatic fashion at the Women's Lacrosse World Cup on Saturday.

The result, combined with Canada's 23-12 victory over Japan on Sunday, sends Canada to a quarterfinal matchup in the 16-team event against Wales, on Wednesday (midnight PT).

McKenzie scored five goals in round-robin play to help Canada to third in Pool A, and has made a habit of scoring in crucial situations. Four of her goals have come with the score tied and the other sparked a flurry of four goals in five minutes that allowed Canada to rally past England in the second half.

McKenzie gave Canada a 7-6 lead during a streak of six unanswered goals. But England rallied to cut a 10-6 deficit to 10-9 with 30 seconds left, only for Canada to hold on for the victory.

Against Japan, McKenzie again put Canada ahead, this time at 4-3 lead and Canada never trailed again. Over the two games, McKenzie scored four goals on only four shots and Canada finished 2-2 in pool play.

Canada's quarterfinal opponent, Wales, won Pool B by beating Scotland on Monday, 10-6, to finish pool play with a 4-0 record. Wales is seeded No. 6, to Canada's No. 3.