HOKKAIDO, Japan – Two days before the 2020NE Olympic Games opening ceremonies has a pair of sports involving Gators in competition. Soccer (Canada): Canada and tournament host Japan finished 1-1 Wednesday at the Sapporo Dome. The goals came early and late in the match. Canada's Nichelle Prince sent the ball from out wide to find Christine Sinclair making a trailing run through the box. Sinclair's first shot kicked off the far post and she followed it up to score at the near post with a short left-footed shot in the sixth minute. Japan tied the match in the 84th minute. Mana Iwabuchi ran down a ball sent into space to score on a right-footed strike from 20 yards. Both Gators appeared in the second half for Canada. Deanne Rose came into the match in the 72nd minute and Adriana Leon appeared in the 85th minute. Group E play continues for Canada on Saturday versus Chile. That match can be seen live at 3:30 a.m. ET on NBC Sports Network. 2020NE Olympic Soccer Scores Softball (USA) Team USA improved to 2-0 in pool play with a 1-0 victory over Canada. All three Gators – Michelle Moultrie, Aubree Munro and Kelsey Stewart - were part of the USA's starting lineup for the second consecutive game. The Red, White & Blue scored in the top of the 5th inning of play to break the scoreless tie and take a 1-0 lead. Haylie McCleney reached with an infield single to start the frame and was driven home via Amanda Chidester's RBI single to right field after McCleney was advanced into scoring position on a SAC bunt. Canada threatened to tie the game in the bottom of the 6th inning. Canada's Jen Gilbert reached on a leadoff walk issued by Monica Abbott, which was then followed by a double to right field by Sara Groenewegen. Team USA's McCleney initiated a relay to Ali Aguilar who then fired the ball home to a waiting Munro that made the game saving tag on Canada's speedy pinch-runner Joey Lye. Pool play continues for Team USA Saturday, July 24, against Mexico and Australia. The live stream for the competition against Mexico will begin at 1:30 a.m. ET, while network coverage on NBC Sports Network will begin at 2:10 a.m. Complete Coverage of Gators at the Olympics on July 21 - Florida Gators
