The USWNT are once again SheBelieves Cup champions, defeating Canada in a penalty kick shootout following a 2-2 draw.
After the team went down 1-0 at the half, Sophia Smith scored a brace to put the USWNT ahead 2-1. Adriana Leon would provide both goals for Canada, which included a late equalizer to send the game to penalties.
SOPHIA SMITH PERFECT LEFT FOOTED STRIKE ⁰⁰ @TelemundoSports pic.twitter.com/LCPdCvJssx
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) April 10, 2024
Following the game, USWNT interim head coach Twila Kilgore – who coached her final game at the helm of the national team – said that Smith’s play was another example of her “being a special player in a special moment within our team concept.”
“The first goal was just class,” Kilgore said. “Sometimes individuals just do special things. It was a left-footed finish for Soph in a crowded box, just an exceptional moment, but also there’s a big team concept there.”
Although Smith started the game on the right wing she later moved to her preferred No. 9 position.
Four minutes later, Smith scored her second of the game. She was subsequently named MVP of the SheBelieves Cup.
SOPHIA SMITH PERFECT LEFT FOOTED STRIKE ⁰⁰ @TelemundoSports pic.twitter.com/LCPdCvJssx
— Attacking Third…