The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) opened the 2023 SheBelieves Cup with a 2-0 victory over Canada.
Match Recap
- Mallory Swanson scored twice in the first half to extend her scoring streak to four straight games and lift her international goal tally to 30 goals, including five career multi-goal games and two this year alone.
- The USA controlled Thursday’s match from the beginning as Alex Morgan, Lindsey Horan and Swanson played aggressive throughout the first half by taking creative shots. However, Canadian goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan saved 5 of those shots.
- USWNT had 50 touches in the offensive third compared to one for Canada in the first ten minutes of play.
- Trinity Rodman spotted Morgan who then set up Swanson for a lower left corner goal.
- Horan nearly took advantage of a cross from Alana Cook with a header that nearly missed.
- Rodman took advantage of a solid look but it was saved by Sheridan.
- Swanson scored her second goal when she picked off a back pass from Canadian defender Vanessa Gilles.
- Canada had their best chance of the half when Canadian forward Janine Beckie attacked down the right channel with a 22-yard shot, but USA goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher fully extended to keep the shut out.
- Naeher recorded three saves on the night as she registered her 52nd career shutout.
- Sheridan ended with five saves for Canada on the night.
- Both teams used all of their substitutes in the second half.
- Horan sent a deep ball to Kristie Mewis who then found Ashley Hatch. Hatch had a solid look but was once again saved by Sheridan.
- The USWNT currently sits atop the standings with three points. However, Brazil also earned three points with a 1-0 win over Japan due to a game-winning goal from Debinha.
Upcoming Matches
February 19, 2023
- USA vs. Japan at 3:30 pm ET
- Brazil vs. Canada at 6:30pm ET
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