Goals from Gilles, Leon help Canada beat Mexico at Pinatar Cup for 1st win under Casey Stoney [Video]

Casey Stoney has her first victory as Canada coach, but it came with some bruises as the sixth-ranked Canadian women survived a physical challenge from No. 31 Mexico to win 2-0 Saturday at the Pinatar Cup in Murcia, Spain.

Vanessa Gilles celebrated her 50th cap with a goal and Adriana Leon added a late strike to give Canada the win.

Mexico had more scoring chances in the first half at Pinatar Arena but the game changed after Mexican defender Annia Mejia was sent off for a second yellow card in the 40th minute.

“Thy were extremely physical,” said Stoney. “At one point I actually said to the fourth [official] my player safety was a concern to me.”

The Canadians broke the deadlock in the 51st minute when Olivia Smith’s corner found Jordyn Huitema, who headed it over to Gilles to head home. It was an eighth goal for the 28-year-old …