Oct. 20, 2011

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GUADALAJARA, MEXICO - University of Maryland women's soccer freshman goalkeeper Rachelle Beanlands earned her first cap with the full Canadian National Team, helping lead Canada to a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the 2011 Pan Am Games at the Estadio Omnilife in Guadalajara, Mexico.

"We're so excited, and pleased for Rachelle - what an invaluable experience," said Maryland head coach Brian Pensky. "It's one thing to be given an opportunity, but then to perform at a high level once given that chance - that makes all the difference in the world, because producing is what it's all about, at the end of the day. Great for Rachelle, and who knows, maybe she'll have another opportunity as her team progresses through the event. It appears as though she certainly has earned the confidence of her coaches."

Canadian coach John Herdman said this about Beanlands following the match, "(Rachelle) grew in confidence as the match wore on. Perhaps those first five minutes were shaky, but she grew in confidence and made some good decisions and made a good save."

Canada, which defeated Costa Rica, 3-1, in its opening match has qualified for the semi-final stage of the Women's Football Tournament, thus earning at least two more matches in Mexico. Canada will play Brail on October 21 before advancing to the semi-final match on October 25 and either the championship match or match for third place on October 27.