Pre-Match Notes: After an exciting and thrilling quarterfinal match against Colombia, where the U.S. Women’s National Team walked away with a 3-0 win, the stage is set for the USWNT to meet rivals, Canada, in the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup Semifinals. Canada, up to this point, has been undefeated in the tournament so far and has yet to be scored on. The U.S. has a tough match ahead of them, but given their performance against Colombia, and how well the team was able to step up to the challenge after coming off of a loss to Mexico, it is still possible for this U.S. team to come away with a win in this match.

Without a doubt, Canada is going to be a strong challenge for the USWNT. Canada has always been a fierce rival. In the 2020 Olympics, Canada would convert a penalty kick, winning 1-0 against the USWNT in the semifinals, where they would move onto the finals, and ultimately defeat Sweden to win the gold medal. In 2022, the U.S. would face Canada in the CONCACAF Women’s Championship final, where the U.S. would walk away with a 1-0 win after converting a penalty kick against Canada. In 2023, the U.S. would come away with a 2-0 win against Canada in the SheBelieves Cup. When it came to all these matches, Canada proved to be a challenge. When it comes to this match, Canada will once again put up a strong fight against the U.S.

If the U.S. wants to be successful in this match, there needs to be a focus on maintaining control and stability in the midfield. While possession is most likely going to be split between both sides, as Canada will likely fight and challenge the U.S. for possession of the midfield, the U.S. needs to have enough control of the midfield if they want their attack to get forward. This is where players like Sam Coffey, Korbin Albert, and Lindsey Horan need to assert themselves and make their presence more known. They need to be able to play under pressure, win those 1v1s, and not back down from those defensive challenges. Twila Kilgore could also go with Emily Sonnett for more added support in the midfield as well.

Likewise, there needs to be good support and drive in the attack, along with good connection and finishing in the box. Because Canada has yet to be scored on in the Women’s Gold Cup, this means the U.S. is going to be needing to figure out how to breakthrough Canada’s backline and defense, and figure out how attacking players will be able to connect with those crosses, services, and touches coming into the box. The U.S. is needing to take more risks when it comes to the attack. They need to actively challenge the Canadian backline and put the defense under pressure as much as possible. This was something the U.S. was able to do in their match against Colombia.

When it comes to the U.S. backline and defense, they did well overall in their match against Colombia. This backline of Naomi Girma, Emily Fox, Jenna Nighswonger, and Tierna Davidson did well to hold off Colombia’s attack. However, an area that needs to be better is defending against set pieces and corner kicks. This is a weak point for the U.S. that can be solved with better marking, awareness, and quicker clearances and recoveries. Responses to Canada’s counterattacks and transitions need to be quick as well. The U.S. backline, much like the midfield, will face heavy pressure from Canada, and the team as a whole needs to be prepared to handle that pressure.

While this match will prove to be a difficult challenge for the USWNT, it’s important to note that this team was able to handle Colombia’s pressure, as well as meet their physicality with the same level of aggression and intensity. It was refreshing to see such intensity, focus, and desire to win from this U.S. team. Hopefully, going into this match against Canada, we’ll see that same drive and energy from this team. The mentality in regards to how the U.S. approaches tougher teams and challenges, and building intensity and drive, is something this team needs to strive for consistently. If the U.S. can approach this match against Canada like they did against Colombia, there is not only a chance for the U.S. to win it, there is hope for the future of the USWNT.

Line Up Notes

Starting Eleven: We have Alyssa Naeher in the goal. For defenders Jenna Nighswonger, Naomi Girma, Tierna Davidson, and Emily Fox. In the midfield, Lindsey Horan, Korbin Albert, and Sam Coffey. For forwards, Alex Morgan, Jaedyn Shaw, and Trinity Rodman.

Substitutes: Abby Dahlkemper, Becky Sauerbrunn, Lynn Williams, Midge Purce, Sophia Smith, Olivia Moultrie, Emily Sonnett, Rose Lavelle, Casey Murphy, Crystal Dunn, Casey Krueger, Jane Campbell.

There are no changes from the last starting eleven. This starting eleven did well in the match against Colombia, but it’s going to be interesting to see how they’ll do in this match, and whether we’ll see that consistency when it comes to the U.S.’s drive and attacking press. There needs to be good control and possession in the midfield if the U.S. wants to get their attack forward. As mentioned earlier, this is where Coffey and Albert need to step up more when it comes to maintaining that control in midfield, whether it be from winning 1v1s, recovering possession with the backline, or connecting with their teammates and helping the attack get forward.

When it comes to the attack, it’s going to be interesting to see how this U.S. team goes about breaking through Canada’s backline and defense. There needs to be good connection and support in the attack, as well as strong connection and finishing in the box. This is easier said than done, especially when the U.S. attack will be going up against defenders like Kadeisha Buchanan, Ashley Lawrence, Jade Rose, Vanessa Gilles, and goalkeeper, Kailen Sheridan.

When it comes to U.S. backline and defense, while Nighswonger, Davidson, Girma, and Fox did well against Colombia, the biggest question now is, will this current backline be able to hold off Canada’s attack? The U.S. will be needing to defend against set pieces and corner kicks, and they need to be able to respond to Canada’s counterattacks and transitions.

When it comes to this match as a whole, I’m predicting there’s going to be a lot of back and forth between both sides, with possession being almost split down the middle. However, the last thing the U.S. wants is to be on the constant receiving end of Canada’s attack. The U.S. in this match needs to be aggressive, and needs to play with a high level of intensity and urgency. This is going to be another tough challenge for this U.S. team, but hopefully it’s one they can overcome.

First Half Notes

USWNT 1-0.

Goal scorer for the USWNT: Shaw (1)

Horan’s long pass up for Shaw to the Canada box, was kicked back to Canadian goalkeeper, Sheridan by her defender. The pass was stopped by a puddle, and Shaw was able to get past the defender and score.

The pitch conditions are terrible. Due to the rain, there is a lot of water and flooding on the pitch. The puddles on the field is making it very hard for both the U.S. and Canada to move the ball around. Since both the U.S. and Canada are struggling to play under these conditions, neither side is playing how they would normally play. The play is disjointed as both sides are trying to find their footing and rhythm, and figure out how to play in these wet conditions.

When it comes to the U.S., they have figured out how to get past Canada’s backline in this first half, and that was to do long balls and passes behind the backline. Whether this will work in the second half, it’s hard to say. One thing the U.S. is needing to do, going into the second half, is have better control and stability in the midfield. Canada has been able to get their attack forward, and despite the conditions, appears to have better movement and control of the midfield. The U.S. needs to maintain as much possession as possible, and try to get their attack forward as well.

When it comes to the U.S. backline and defense, they were holding up really well in this first half. They were reading Canada’s long balls and passes, they were chasing down loose balls and were doing well, keeping up with Canada’s runners. However, Nighswonger and Davidson need to defend the left wing better against Jade Rose, who’s been attacking that left wing, and getting past them without much challenge. Clearances have been quick from the backline as well, since the defenders have realized how risky it is to play from the back when the field is this waterlogged. Overall, the U.S. and Canada are doing their best, in the conditions that they were given.

Second Half Notes

USWNT 1-1

The U.S., for most of the second half, was doing well when it came to defending their lead, up until the 82nd minute when Canada’s Jordyn Huitema, scored off an assist from Ashley Lawrence.

There was a focus on clearing the ball and keeping it away from the U.S. penalty area. The backline was higher up the pitch, clearing Canada’s passes further and further up the field. As the match went on, and as the field started to dry up more, Canada was able to get their attack forward.

The U.S. and Canada will now be going into the first round of additional time (15 minutes). There needs to be better control and stability in the U.S. midfield, so that their attack can get forward. Right now, I’m not sure if the U.S. will be able to do that, since Canada seems stronger and better in that area. The U.S. also needs to maintain their defense. Up until the 82nd minute, there was great support in the U.S. backline and defense. The team needs to maintain that support going into additional time.

First Round of Additional Time Notes

USWNT 2-1.

Goal Scorers for the USWNT: Shaw (1), Smith (1)

Sonnett would play the ball up to Lavelle. Lavelle, with a flick into the Canada box, would find Smith. Smith, who had sneaked in behind the Canada backline, would score the U.S.’s second goal.

This is better from the U.S. The U.S. is getting their attack forward, but going into this final round of extra time, there needs to be a focus on defending, and maintaining this lead. The U.S. needs to focus on game management and control. If they can grab another goal, it would put them in the clear. For now though, defending and game management is going to be key for a U.S. victory.

Second Round of Additional Time Notes

USWNT 2-2.

In the final minute of additional time, a pass from Canada would be sent into the U.S. box. This pass had Gilles’ name written all over it. Gilles would go in for a header, but Naeher, coming off her line, would collide and take out Gilles in the U.S. penalty area. The question was whether Naeher got a touch on the ball when she came off to challenge Gilles. VAR would confirm that Naeher DID NOT get a touch on the ball and had taken out Gilles in the box. Canada was awarded a penalty kick, which would be converted by Adriana Leon, sending the game into a penalty shootout.

Penalty Shootout and Closing Notes

Sophia Smith would step up and convert. USWNT 3-2

Adriana Leon of Canada would see her shot saved by Naeher.

Korbin Albert would step up for the U.S., and her shot would be skied over the crossbar. USWNT 3-2

Jordyn Huitema would see her shot saved by Naeher.

Alyssa Naeher would step and convert her shot against Sheridan. USWNT 4-2

Quinn would convert their shot. Canada 4-3

Lindsey Horan would convert her shot. USWNT 5-3

Jessie Fleming would see her shot saved by Naeher.

Final Score: USWNT Wins 5-3.

This match was a wild ride from start to finish. It could’ve gone either way. This was a tough match for both the USWNT and Canada given the condition of the pitch; however, despite the many frustrations and hiccups in this match, where things may not have gone according to plan for either side, the USWNT would triumph in the penalty shootout, thanks to three amazing saves by goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. While there are still many things this U.S. team needs to work on, like control and stability in the midfield, as well as game management, and closing out games, this was still a great win for the U.S. that didn’t come without a fight.

The USWNT will now meet Brazil in the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup Final on Sunday, March 10, 2024.