Wisconsin Soccer Central

Lauren Sesselmann (Green Bay Notre Dame) was part of a first for the Canadian women's soccer team Wednesday.

Sesselmann started at left back in an international friendly against Germany in which Canada didn't concede a goal in the opening 45 minutes – it was the first time Canada held Germany scoreless in a half.

However, host Germany went on to extend its mastery against Canada, getting a 53rd-minute goal from Leonie Maier to post a 1-0 victory in Paderborn. The Germans, second in the FIFA Women's World Rankings, have won all 11 meetings between the teams.

"I think there were some real positives in there today," Canadian coach John Herdman said. "Defensively, we were able to hold them and there was some real resilience from the girls.

"We'll keep working. There is still some time left to catch these Germans. All in all, we had some good lessons. I am proud of the girls today."

Sesselmann came off at halftime in her 33rd career cap for Canada, which is tied for seventh in the FIFA rankings but winless in its past five (0-4-1). Carmelina Moscato, who was an assistant for the University of Wisconsin last fall, played the full 90 minutes at center back for Canada in her 78th cap