In a gritty showdown amidst harsh weather conditions, the U.S. Women’s National Team showcased resilience, overcoming a water-logged pitch to clinch a 3-1 victory over Canada in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout following a 2-2 deadlock after 120 minutes of intense play. With this hard-fought triumph, the USA secures a spot in the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup Final against Brazil, set to take place at San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium on Sunday, March 10 (8:15 p.m. ET / 5:15 p.m. PT
Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher emerged as the hero of the shootout, making three crucial saves and confidently converting her own penalty, steering the USA towards the championship clash. Forward Jaedyn Shaw set the stage with an early strike in the 20th minute, marking her fourth goal of the tournament and etching her name in history as the first USWNT player to score in each of her first four starts. Additionally, substitute Sophia Smith demonstrated her prowess, netting her 16th career goal in the 99th minute courtesy of an assist from Rose Lavelle.
U.S. interim head coach Twila Kilgore opted for the same lineup that propelled the team to a resounding 3-0 victory over Colombia in the quarterfinals. However, the heavily water-logged pitch posed a significant challenge, impeding dribbling and ball control, thereby disrupting the flow of the game for both teams.
Despite the adverse conditions, the USA capitalized on an opportunity to take the lead when Canada’s defensive mishap resulted in Shaw’s opportunistic goal in the 20th minute. Subsequent chances were hard to come by in the first half, with both teams struggling to adapt to the treacherous field conditions.
Efforts to improve pitch conditions during halftime proved only marginally effective, with the soggy field continuing to pose challenges in the second half. However, the USWNT found a breakthrough as they attacked the relatively drier end of the field, creating opportunities early on, including a close header from Lindsey Horan in the 51st minute.
Although Canada managed to equalize in the 82nd minute through Jordyn Huitema’s well-executed header, the USWNT reclaimed the lead in the 99th minute, courtesy of Smith’s clinical finish orchestrated by Lavelle and Emily Sonnett.
With the match deadlocked at 2-2 after extra time, tension mounted as the contest headed to a penalty shootout. Naeher’s heroics in goal, coupled with composed finishes from Shaw, Horan, and others, propelled the USA to a dramatic victory, booking their ticket to the final against Brazil.
In a thrilling display of resilience and determination, the USWNT showcased their championship pedigree, overcoming adversity to secure a hard-earned victory and advance to the pinnacle clash of the Concacaf W Gold Cup.
