The United States women’s national soccer team secured a hard-fought victory against Canada in a rain-soaked shootout at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego on Wednesday night, advancing to the Concacaf W Gold Cup final against Brazil.
Despite the challenging conditions caused by heavy rains, both teams battled to a 2-2 draw in regular time and extra time before heading to a shootout. US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher played a pivotal role, saving three penalty attempts and converting one herself to clinch the win for her team.
Jaedyn Shaw opened the scoring for the U.S. after taking advantage of a defensive error by Canada. Shaw’s goal marked her fourth consecutive goal in as many starts and her fourth goal overall in the W Gold Cup tournament.
The match saw difficult playing conditions, with standing water on the field affecting the movement of the ball. Despite efforts to improve the field during halftime, both teams struggled to create clear scoring opportunities until Canada’s Jordyn Huitema equalized with a header off a cross from Ashley Lawrence.
In extra time, Sophia Smith appeared to secure the win for the U.S. with a well-taken goal, but a late penalty awarded to Canada sent the game to a shootout, where Naeher’s heroics sealed the victory for the Americans.
The win extended the USWNT’s impressive record in knockout games against Canada, setting up a final showdown against Brazil on Sunday.
Canada, missing its former captain Christine Sinclair, who retired as soccer’s all-time leading goal scorer, put up a strong fight throughout the match but ultimately fell short in the shootout.
The USWNT will now prepare to face Brazil in the final, aiming to secure another title in the prestigious tournament.