The USWNT Are the 2021 SheBelieves Cup Champions

The 2021 SheBelieves Cup has been a welcome addition to international soccer. An extra slate of competitive games with a trophy at stake is undoubtedly more exciting than another run of friendlies. Although England could not participate this year, the USWNT still faced three tough opponents in Canada, Brazil, and Argentina. A dominant three matches saw the USWNT crowned SheBelieves Cup champions once again. Here’s how it all went down.

USWNT Defeat a Game Canada 1-0

As expected, the Canadians put up a tough fight and refused to go away until the very end. Kailen Sheridan came off early due to an injury, but having Stephanie Labbe as a backup certainly helped soften the blow. Labbe and Canada’s backline were up to the task for 79 minutes before Rose Lavelle found the breakthrough. 

GOAL!! ROSE LAVELLE! And the #USWNT are up 1-0. #USAvCAN pic.twitter.com/KpPcNWAsy1

— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) February 19, 2021

With 57% possession and 28 total shots, the USWNT was always in control of the match. In other news, Alex Morgan’s second-half appearance was a sight for sore eyes. The WoSo world is waiting with bated breath to see how she fares back with the team. 

USWNT Handle an Improved Brazil 2-0

Brazil looked much improved against the United States during their second match. Debinha was their main threat, and she looked dangerous. Unfortunately not dangerous enough to score a goal. The USWNT asserted dominance early thanks to a beautiful Christen Press goal. No one was ready for it. 

a combination we LOVE:@ChristenPress + #SheBelievesCup ? pic.twitter.com/qWvfK8DY1J

— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) February 21, 2021

Megan Rapinoe added a late goal to secure another solid USWNT victory. At the time, the goal brought her level with England’s Ellen White for most SheBelieves Cup goals all-time. 

USWNT Destroy Argentina to Capture Trophy

The United States saved their best for last in the final match against Argentina. Needing a win to secure the trophy, the USWNT came out and pounced early on. Their movement, passing, and chemistry throughout the match were palpable. It didn’t matter who was in attack for the USWNT. Whether it was Press, Rapinoe, Lloyd, Mewis, or Morgan, they all got in on the scoring action. Mewis had the best goal of the bunch with her separation touch and finish. However, it was great to see Morgan score her first goal since the 2019 Women’s World Cup.

Kristie! Mewis! Turns and burns her defender ? pic.twitter.com/f8McpFmHY0

— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) February 25, 2021

The Americans ran circles around the Argentinians who still fought hard. In the end, the match ended 6-0 with the USWNT crowned 2021 SheBelieves Cup champions. No goals conceded, nine scored. This was light work for Vlatko Andonovski and the team. Picking a roster for the Olympics is a nearly impossible task, but with how the USWNT played, it’s a great problem to have with summer looming large. 

Featured Image via Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

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