USWNT Survives Canada and the Elements in an Instant Classic
San Diego was hit with what seemed like a monsoon Wednesday night for the Gold Cup semifinal, USWNT vs. Canada. At first, it appeared like the game was doomed and could’ve been stopped at any point. Instead, we were treated to one of the best CONCACAF games of all time in an instant classic. The waterlogged pitch ended up making the match even more dramatic. Alyssa Naeher was the star of the shootout in a thrilling contest. Here’s how the USWNT vs. Canada went down in the semifinals of the Gold Cup.
USWNT vs. Canada Recap
Within the first five minutes of the match, everyone involved looked at the referee to see if she would stop the match. After a brief discussion, play continued, and the chaos began. Indeed, both sides did what they could to stick to their respective game plans, but the weather turned the game into backyard soccer.
While the players were still adjusting to the conditions, Canada made their first big mistake. Muscle memory can sometimes be a bad thing. In this case, Vanessa Gilles made what appeared to be a routine back pass and clearance by the keeper. On any other day, that’s a normal play with no consequences. While it’s not entirely her fault, this is where the “better safe than sorry” approach applies.
Jaedyn Shaw’s rise to greatness has happened in the blink of an eye. Her ability to react quicker, anticipate, and provide a composed finish with the weather was phenomenal.
Shaw gets the goal for the USWNT. Gilles back-pass scientifically can not be completed with the pitch conditions. This is a semi final game. pic.twitter.com/5Sn1oDrJ98
— SHE scores bangers (@SHEscoresbanger) March 7, 2024
After that, back passes were few and far between. Neither team wanted to take a chance and do what Gilles did. Long balls and direct play became the only way teams could put together any kind of attack. For much of the second half, it seemed like the United States would get out of Snapdragon Stadium with a win. That’s when Canada stepped up and managed to put together their best move of the game.
JORDYN HUITEMA WITH THE EQUALIZER 😱🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/Yz628rXzXB
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) March 7, 2024
Adriana Leon did well in getting the ball out wide to Ashley Lawrence, who put in an inviting cross. The water wasn’t as much of a factor inside the 18-yard box, and Jordyn Huitema had more than enough room to jump and not worry about her footing. Huitema headed it right back from where it came, giving Alyssa Naeher no chance to save it.
The game went to extra time, a place where goals are rarely scored. When you factor in the conditions, multiple goals are the last thing on anyone’s mind. Yet, credit to both teams, they were desperate not to have this go to a penalty shootout. Rose Lavelle did incredibly well to get enough on the header to play Sophia Smith into space. When Smith gets that much room in front of the goal with a chance to pick her spot, she will score.
SOPHIA SMITH IN OT 😱😱😱 pic.twitter.com/8TyQg36jYd
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) March 7, 2024
Bringing Smith on as a substitute makes Twila Kilgore look really good because her fresh legs allow her to take the chance well. That goal felt like a knockout punch, putting Canada on the canvas. Yet, Canada refused to give up and got back up again to try and tie the game. The Canadians reaped the rewards for their resolve.
After Alyssa Naeher came off her line late and took out Vanessa Gilles, VAR had no choice but to look at the play. At the end of the second extra time, a penalty was awarded, and Adriana Leon was tasked with converting a pressure penalty.
Leon took her time and calmly slotted the ball home.
ADRIANA LEON CONVERTS FROM THE SPOT AND SENDS THE GAME TO PENALTIES 😱 pic.twitter.com/pAnCWkapTV
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) March 7, 2024
With momentum firmly on Canada’s side heading into the shootout, USWNT fans had every right to worry. Yet, minutes after committing the foul that led to the penalty shootout, Alyssa Naeher took over the game. Naeher would go on to save three penalties and convert her own penalty kick from the spot.
ALYSSA NAEHER CAN SAVE AND CONVERT PENALTIES 🤯 pic.twitter.com/vewrwXwto5
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) March 7, 2024
The first penalty she saved was against Adriana Leon, the player who had just scored. The mind games of taking a second penalty got to her at the moment.
Alyssa Naeher has nerves of steel. Not one time did she look fazed and essentially said, enough is enough I’m ending this right now. Saving three penalties and scoring one is an all-time great performance for anyone. Alyssa Naeher has immortalized her legacy with a performance like this, and it should go down as a historic result on what was a wonky night of football.
Next, the United States prepares for Brazil in the final on Sunday night.
Featured image via Getty Images
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