Women’s World Cup: Nichelle Prince playing critical role for Canada

Forward Nichelle Prince grabbed a goal and an assist in Canada’s 2-0 victory over New Zealand, and she is playing a critical role for one of the World Cup favorites.

While most of the dialogue surrounding Canada focuses on striker Christine Sinclair, who is one of the best players of all-time and is closing in on Abby Wambach’s all-time international goals record, forward/winger Nichelle Prince has been the team’s standout through two games.

Prince’s tireless running down the left flank and ability to beat defenders at will stole the show in Canada’s shaky 1-0 win over Cameroon, and both she and her team were significantly better in their second game against New Zealand.

It took nearly 50 minutes for Canada to get on the scoresheet against an organized New Zealand defense that nearly kept a clean sheet against the vaunted Netherlands attack, but Canada found their breakthrough in the 48th minute via Jessie Fleming. The finish itself was straightforward, but the build-up lay from Prince was breath-taking.

This was picture-perfect wing play from the Houston Dash forward. Prince took on two New Zealand defenders, and not only did she beat them, but she also completely took them out of the play. She dragged both women out of position and pulled it back for Fleming, who executed a technically-proficient finish to dispatch the ball into the bottom corner.

Throughout the night, Prince was a terror for New Zealand’s defense on the wing, picking up where she left off against Cameroon. All Canada’s defenders have to do is send a long ball to Prince, who is almost always able to find space. And when the ball is at her feet, she has the quality to make something special happen.

After being denied by a wonderful save from Erin Nayler in the 72nd minute, Prince grabbed her well-deserved goal just minutes later.

While Prince’s headed effort at goal seemed more impressive than the scrappy goal itself, Prince’s ability to pounce on a loose ball in the box shows her value beyond creating chances on the wing, Prince has the instincts to find the back of the net like a poacher, and Canada need that kind of play behind Christine Sinclair, whose strength in the air created this second-chance opportunity for Prince.

In this year’s World Cup, there are so many teams with talented wingers and fullbacks. The United States have legend Megan Rapinoe and converted forward Crystal Dunn with Kelley O’Hara and the skillful Tobin Heath on the right, France have the equally legendary Eugenie Le Sommer and converted attacking midfielder Amel Majri with Marion Torrent and breakout star Delphine Cascarino on the right, and on Canada Nichelle Prince has PSG standout Ashley Lawrence behind her.

After combining with Prince to give Cameroon nightmares along the right, Lawrence and Prince proceeded to do the same in a more central role, though Prince’s most dangerous moments came when drifting to the left.

Prince’s versatility will be another key to Canada’s attack. She was initially listed as a right winger against New Zealand, but she created an assist on the left side of the formation and spend most of the game acting as a supporting striker for Sinclair. She can excel in any number of roles, depending on what Canada needs as their opponents – or the game situations – change.

Canada now have a perfect six points through two games with their toughest test coming up against the Netherlands. However, if Prince can continue to find moments of magic and excel across the formation – combining with players like Janine Beckie, Fleming, Sinclair, and Lawrence to devastating effect – Canada can live up to the hype as one of the World Cup favorites.