Canada's Christine Sinclair and Japan's Homare Sawa, left, eye a loose ball during their opening soccer match at the 2012 Summer Olympics Wednesday, July 25, 2012 in Coventry. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
July 25, 2012 - 1:50 PM
COVENTRY, England - Canada's women's soccer team opened its London Olympic campaign with a 2-1 loss to Japan.
Melissa Tancredi scored the lone goal for the No. 7 Canadians, connecting on a long cross from Rhian Wilkinson in the 55th minute.
Nahomi Kawasumi and Aya Miyama scored in the first half for the reigning World Cup champions at City of Coventry Stadium.
Kawasumi sprinted onto a clever back-heel pass from Shinobu Ohno in the 33rd minute for the third-ranked Japanese, who dominated possession with their speed and precision passing.
Miyama's goal was a header off a long cross in the 44th minute.
Defender Candace Chapman was helped off the pitch with around five minutes remaining, leaving Canada with 10 players for the remainder of the game.
It was Canada's first competition of the Games, two days before the opening ceremonies in London.
Canada's next game is Saturday against South Africa in Coventry.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2012