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The United States Women’s National Team beat Canada 1-0 to kick off their 2021 SheBelieves Cup. The game-winning goal came from Rose Lavelle in the 79th minute after taking over from the bench in the second half.
A scoreless first half between the two CONCACAF rivals provided mixed results as Canada was able to play without the pressure from the U.S. An early injury to Canadian starting goalie Kailen Sheridan forced a replacement to the 10th minute, Steph Labbé delivering a strong net performance to keep the game goalless in the first half despite the most shots on goal for the United States.
The USWNT couldn’t find the breakthrough in the opening 45 minutes despite applying pressure and solid attacking play in the first half led by Crystal Dunn and Lynn Williams. While Canada managed to escape the pressure under various waves of attack, they recorded just one shot on target in the first half despite spending time in dangerous spaces.
The second half allowed for more open play between the two teams, with the USWNT appearing to play more urgently on the ball. Canada tried to take advantage of the free space, getting more stares in the final third, registering two more shots on target and forcing US goaltender Alyssa Naeher off her line and make a big save.
A trio of offensive substitutions would rock the game as Christen Press, Alex Morgan and Lavelle substituted in the 64th minute. The impact was immediate when the trio got involved in the attack, and the breakthrough came after nearly 80 minutes when Lindsey Horan provided the assist on Lavelle’s game-winning goal.
With this victory, the USWNT occupies second place behind Brazil on goal differential. The two teams will face off on Sunday in what will likely be a battle for first place in the tournament standings.
USWNT 1, Canada 0
⚽ United States: Rose Lavelle (79 ‘)
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