Another chapter in the rivalry written in the second match of the SheBelieves Cup as two Concacaf foes clashed. Both Canada and the United States Women’s National Team came into this match having won their tournament openers and now they meet on the pitch to grapple control of their respective destiny as well as reignite a rivalry that has gotten a lot closer in recent years as Canada has steadily improved. All you have to do is look at the starting XI for USWNT coming into this one to know, this is one the home
team wants to win in a big way. One of the strongest starting lineups the United States could put out, and perhaps a glimpse into the group of players with the inside edge going into 2027.
The first 25 minutes of the match went the way a rivalry match should go. Closely contested, a lot of back and forth, and hardly anything to separate the two teams. The first 10 minutes were all United States as the strong starting lineup opened up the match by putting a lot of pressure on the Canadians. They were attacking well, finding themselves in the attacking third a lot more often and looked to have full control of this match. Canada then settled into the match and started to find space of their own. There were a few moments where it looked like Canada would sneak one past Phallon-Tullis Joyce who was between the posts for the United States, but the defense was doing just enough to keep it scoreless.
After the brief pressure from their rivals, USWNT regained control of the match for the final 15 minutes of the half. They were knocking on the door with chance, after chance, after chance. The best look of the half came near the end, when Ally Sentnor picked the ball off the Canadian defender in their own box, leaving a 1v1 opportunity with the keeper, but the shot didn’t have the final touch on it as it went wide of the goal from close range. The half ended scoreless and even, but United States were firmly in control and inching closer to that opening goal. The question going into the second half, as is typically the case for opponents of USWNT, is how far can Canada bend without breaking? United States would obviously come out for the second half a lot more aggressive as they looked for an opening goal they’ll feel like they deserve, but all Canada would need is one good look at goal to possible turn this match on its head.
It took 55 minutes, but United States finally broke through courtesy of a corner kick. The ball in from Rose Lavelle from the flag skipped past a slew of defenders and a few attackers, finding Ally Sentnor in the middle of the box with just enough space and time to get a shot off. Looking to make amends for the earlier opportunity missed, she was pure this time around, smashing the ball past a couple more defenders, leaving Canadian keeper Kailen Sheridan stuck in place, only able to watch as the back of the net bulged, giving USWNT their much deserved lead.
Unsurprisingly, the goal only energized the home side, applying even more pressure on Canada as they hunted for a second goal to close out the match and slam the door on any comeback. The second goal never came for USWNT, despite another half of dominating football that saw them tally chance after chance. Then again, when you have your defense playing shutout soccer the way United States was, you only need one goal to come away with the win. It was another notch in the belt against their rivals from the North as they secured their second win in two matches in this year’s SheBelieves Cup. Now, the team shift focus to the final match as they look to secure another SheBelieves Cup championship, wrapping up the tournament against rising superstar Linda Caicedo and Colombia.
