The Canadian women's soccer team defeated New Zealand 5-0 Wednesday in an international friendly in Auckland.

It was Canada's second victory over the Kiwis this week after registering a 3-0 win on Sunday.

"A large pitch in excellent condition gave our team a good opportunity to play varied attacking soccer today," said Canadian coach Even Pellerud.

"Our first half was played with good intensity; our second half was acceptable, but we did not keep up at the same level as before the break."

Captain Christine Sinclair, Candace Chapman, Amber Allen and Jodi-Ann Robinson all scored in the first 21 minutes of the game. Allen added another goal in the second half.
 
"Our team shape and tactical awareness improves with each game," said Pellerud. "From an individual and technical standpoint, there is still some inconsistency; good passing connections were hurt by poor control. That will have to be addressed in training."

In Sunday's game, Sinclair, from Burnaby, B.C., booted her way into the record books with a pair of goals to become Canada's new all-time leading scorer.

Sinclair, who turns 24 on June 12, has 73 goals in 94 career games for Canada. Charmaine Hooper was the previous record-holder with 71 goals.

Team Canada now returns to Vancouver where it will resume its residency camp in preparation for the FIFA Women's World Cup which takes place in China in September.