The U.S. women’s team defeated Canada 1-0 to kick off their SheBelieves Cup in 2021. The winning goal for the game was provided by Rose Lavelle in the 79th minute after throwing it off the bench in the second half.
A pointless first half between the two CONCACAF rivals yielded mixed results as Canada were able to play out the applied pressure from the US. ‘ An early injury to Canadian opening guard Kailen Sheridan forced a substitute in the 10th minute, with Steph Labbé good just to keep the game goalless in the first half, despite the US having more shots on goal.
The USWNT could not find the breakthrough in the first 45 minutes, despite pressure and strong offensive attacking play from the first half by Crystal Dunn and Lynn Williams. While Canada successfully played out of the pressure under various waves of attack, they scored only one shot on target in the first half, despite the time in dangerous spaces.
The second half offered more open play between the two sides, as the USWNT apparently played the ball more urgently. Canada tried to take advantage of the open space, to get more looks in the last third time, take two more shots on target and force U.S. keeper Alyssa Naeher off her line and make a big save.
A trio of offensive substitutes will put the game in jeopardy as Christian Press, Alex Morgan and Lavelle disappear in the 64th minute. The impact was immediate when the trio became involved in the attack, and the breakthrough came in nearly 80 minutes when Lindsey Horan provided the assist for Lavelle’s charity.
With the victory, the USWNT is in second place behind Brazil on goal kick. The two teams will take on each other on Sunday in a battle for first place in the tournament.
USWNT 1, Canada 0
⚽ USA: Rose Lavelle (79 ‘)