San Diego, California – The USA women’s football team secured a spot in the Concacaf W Gold Cup final after a thrilling 2-2 draw with Canada that culminated in a penalty shootout on a rain-soaked field at Snapdragon Stadium. Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher played a crucial role with three saves during the shootout, helping the United States advance with a 3-1 victory on penalties. Their opponent in the final will be Brazil, who defeated Mexico 3-0 in the earlier semi-final match.
The intense game was plagued by heavy rain, resulting in standing water on the field that created challenging conditions for the players. Despite the slippery surface, both teams fought hard, with Jaedyn Shaw scoring for the US in the 20th minute after taking advantage of a mishap by a Canadian defender. Canada’s Jordyn Huitema later equalized in the 82nd minute with a header that eluded Naeher.
The match went into extra time, where Smith gave the US the lead in the 99th minute, only to see Canada level the score at 2-2 with a penalty in the 120th minute. Naeher came up clutch in the shootout, making two crucial saves and converting a penalty to seal the win for her team. The victory was particularly sweet for the US after their previous defeat to Mexico in the group stage.
Former US midfielder Sam Mewis criticized the decision to play the game in such extreme weather conditions, highlighting the safety concerns for the players. Despite the challenges, both teams displayed remarkable resilience and determination throughout the match.
The tournament marked the first women’s Gold Cup, designed to provide meaningful competition for teams in the region. With four teams – the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Colombia – set to participate in the upcoming Olympics, the competition served as a valuable preparation opportunity for the teams. Canada, in particular, faced the tournament without their legendary captain Christine Sinclair, who retired as the all-time leading goal scorer in international women’s football.
As the United States looks ahead to the final against Brazil, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown between two powerhouse teams in women’s football. The path to the final has been challenging, with each team showcasing their talent and determination in pursuit of the prestigious Concacaf W Gold Cup title.