International Recap: Canada Falls to U.S. in Penalty Kicks
Photo Credit: Canada Soccer
In the semifinal round of the W Gold Cup, Canada fell to the United States in penalty kicks after drawing the match 2-2. At a very wet Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California, the teams battled the elements from box-to-box. Both Seattle Reign FC players subbed into the match in the second half.
Forward Jordyn Huitema subbed in the 56th minute of the match and added a game-tying goal in the 82nd minute, while midfielder Quinn entered the match in the 68th minute, earning their milestone 100th cap for Canada. They also were the only Canadian player to convert a penalty kick in the shootout to decide the match.
The United States scored first in the match, 20 minutes in. Jaedyn Shaw took advantage of a slow back pass, intercepting the ball and adding her fourth goal of the tournament. Both sides continued to work through the difficult conditions of the match but neither found the back of the net again before the halftime whistle was blown.
In the second half, Canada worked hard to stay in the match and find an equalizer to send the match into extra time. All of Canada’s efforts came to fruition in the 82nd minute, when Ashley Lawrence crossed a ball into the box from the right side of the field and Reign’s own Huitema was there to confidently head the ball into the back of the net.
Though there were close calls before regulation time ended, the match remained level at one goal apiece and the match was forced into extra time. The United States once again opened the scoring, notching a 99th minute goal from the foot of Sophia Smith.
In the dying moments of extra time, Canada found the all-important equalizer once again. After video review, Canada was awarded a penalty and Adriana Leon stepped up to convert, sending the match to a penalty kick shootout to decide which team would advance to the W Gold Cup Final.
In the penalty kick shootout, United States goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher was the star, saving three of Canada’s penalty attempts. Quinn scored Canada’s lone conversion in the shootout, as the team fell 3-1 from the spot to end their Gold Cup run.