On a wet night at Snapdragon Stadium, the U.S. women’s national team secured a spot in the Concacaf W Gold Cup final after defeating Canada on penalties. In that game, the USA blew two leads in a 2-2 draw before Alyssa Naeher came up big in the penalty shootout, making three saves and scoring a goal herself. The Americans won the shootout 3-1. They face Brazil, who defeated Mexico 3-0, but it was anything but an easy game for the USWNT. From the first shot it was clear that not much football would be played as the ball slowed in the puddles on the pitch and sliding tackles were almost impossible. Conditions improved a little as the game progressed, but mistakes were made.
Jaedyn Shaw took advantage of the conditions when the 19-year-old intercepted a Canadian back pass that she was able to use to score her fourth goal of the tournament, but Canada equalized in the 82nd minute when Ashley Lawerene’s superb cross found the head of Jordyn Huitema , who towered over Emily Fox and scored the equalizer to force extra time. In the first period of overtime, it was to Sophia Smith’s credit that she did what she does best: She ended a one-on-one with a smiling goalie to give the USWNT the lead.
But Naeher conceded a penalty due to poor ball play in the final seconds when Adriana Leon converted the shot. Naeher fended off Leon’s attempt in the shootout and saved three of four attempts, while three of four USA attempts ended up in the net.
After being eliminated in the World Cup final by Sweden on penalties, this victory eases the pain and leaves the team potentially 90 minutes away from another trophy.
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