The U.S. women’s national team is into the W Gold Cup final after a waterlogged win in penalties over Canada.
It was a hard-fought, gritty win as there were times when the ball couldn’t even move on the pitch due to the torrential rain unleashing onto Snapdragon Stadium. Calls for the game to be postponed came from all sides as the two teams played on.
Jaedyn Shaw opened up the scoring, becoming the first USWNT player to score in each of her first four starts. She also joins Kristine Lilly as the only teenagers in USWNT history to score in multiple knockout round games at a competitive tournament.
“That game was pure comedy,” Shaw said afterward. “I think I was the first one that face planted a puddle so that was awesome.”
A late goal from Jordyn Huitema sent the game to extra time, where Sophia Smith notched her first goal of the year to give the USWNT the lead.
“It’s been an emotional ride for me personally since the World Cup, so this is just a big relief and I couldn’t be more proud of our team,” Smith said postgame. “To miss a PK in the World Cup takes a toll on you mentally and then I feel like since then, I’ve just been trying to work my way back.
“I obviously…
