SheBelieves Cup Final Preview: USWNT vs. Canada

In a high-stakes matchup, the United States and Canada are set to square off for the second time in about a month. Rain was the biggest story at Snapdragon Stadium in the Gold Cup semifinal. The United States survived the elements and Canada, winning 2-1 in absurd conditions. Ironically, weather reports for Columbus, Ohio, are showing the possibility of scattered showers during their match, which means they aren’t entirely safe from the rain this time. However, there’s no way it will be as bad as it was in San Diego. Let’s preview the 66th USWNT vs. Canada matchup, this time in the SheBelieves Cup Final.

USWNT vs. Canada, Tuesday: April 9 at 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT, TBS, HBO Max, Peacock

Both teams showed how tough they were mentally and physically to come from behind and win. Japan stunned everyone by scoring within the first minute of the game, and Brazil scored in the 22nd minute against Canada. The response from both teams was phenomenal, as they never stopped pushing to reverse the deficit.

Jaedyn Shaw continues to look mature beyond her years and is taking chances at a high rate. She’s the key for the USWNT because teams will naturally focus more on Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman, which should open things up for Shaw. The USWNT would take the lead late, thanks to a Lindsey Horan penalty that Sophia Smith created. 

For Canada, Vanessa Gilles would equalize from a set piece and eventually send the game to a penalty kick shootout. Canada would prevail in a dramatic 4-2 shootout win. If there’s anything we can learn from the last monsoon matchup, Canada can still be deadly on the counterattack despite the elements. The Canadians ended with less possession and fewer passes completed than the Brazilians. This indicates they may have attempted to sit back and counter against Brazil. How will the United States choose to attack Canada?

The United States has been pressing teams into submission recently, and it’s that same press that forced the mistake from Vanessa Gilles and allowed Jaedyn Shaw to score. Canada will likely sit back and let the USWNT have the ball. Between Kailen Sheridan, Vanessa Gilles, Kadeisha Buchanan, Ashley Lawrence, and Shelina Zadorsky, the defense is strong and can hold its own for 90 minutes. There’s sure to be a good ebb and flow between both sides because of their familiarity with each other. 

The USA defense is one area the Canadians need to exploit, with Naomi Girma picking up a mild injury. Luckily, it doesn’t seem to be severe, and having Abby Dalhkemper bring off the bench in a situation like this with someone she has experience with is a luxury. It’s not a major dropoff, but it could be enough for Canada to find an opening somewhere like the one they did in their last match. 

The USWNT has dominated the SheBelieves Cup in the past. Plus, they looked great against Japan. They refused to give up and stayed the course when goal-scoring opportunities were missed. If the USWNT falls behind Canada at any point, they will throw everything at the Canadians.

They’ve shown grit and resilience as a newer group together, and let’s hope this will be another strong test. The more adversity they face in high-stakes situations like this, the stronger their bond and team chemistry will be. Once the USWNT goes through this together, they’ll be more than prepared for the Olympics and World Cup together. 

Featured image via Noel Danseco

_

GIRLS SOCCER NETWORK: YOUR SOURCE FOR GIRLS SOCCER NEWS