Top-ranked U.S. women cruise to win over Canada in soccer friendly

Edmonton Journal

2 days ago

Article content
The American women were coming off back-to-back 4-0 wins over No. 25 Ireland.
Article content
U.S. coach Emma Hayes made 10 changes to the team that beat Ireland Sunday, essentially reverting to the same starting lineup as in the first Ireland match last Thursday. Forward Lynn Biyendolo was the only holdover.
Article content
Article content
Canada went into Wednesday's contest with a 4-53-9 all-time record against the U.S. in a rivalry that dates back to 1986 when the Canadian women's program was established. The Canadians have not won on American soil since Nov. 11, 2000.
Article content
In their most recent meeting, last April at the SheBelieves Cup in Columbus, Ohio, the two teams played to a 2-2 draw before the U.S. won a penalty shootout 5-4. The Americans also won by penalty shootout in the game before that, the CONCACAF W Gold Cup semifinal in March 2024.
Article content
Article content
Canada's last win over the U.S. was a 1-0 decision in the Tokyo Olympic semifinal in August 2021. That was the Americans' first loss to their northern neighbours since March 2001, in the group stage of the Algarve Cup.
Article content
It was 29 C, feeling like 32 C at kickoff for the clash of the last two Olympic champions.
Article content
The U.S. came out with purpose and Biyendolo, put behind the Canadian defence in the sixth minute, failed to find the target with an attempted chip. Two minutes later, Canada's defence was cut open again with Sheridan stopping Biyendolo's header.
Article content
After going down 1-0, Canada threatened for the first time in the 20th minute only to see U.S. goalkeeper Claudia Dickey, in just her second senior appearance, deny Jordyn Huitema from in close.
Article content
Sheridan stopped Alyssa Thompson in the 23rd minute after another Canadian defensive breakdown.
Article content
Article content
The U.S. had 63% possession in the first half and outshot Canada 8-5 (6-2 in shots on target).
Article content
Early in the second half, the Americans queued up to take a shot on the Canadian goal, winning ball after ball.
Article content
Stoney sent on Nichelle Prince and Shelina Zadorsky in the 62nd minute. Simi Awujo, Holly Ward, Marie Levasseur and Annabelle Chukwu followed off the Canadian bench.
Article content
Biyendolo hit the crossbar in the 80th minute as the Canadian defence was found wanting again.
Article content
Appointed in January, Stoney saw her record with Canada fall to 6-2-1. The lone previous loss was a 1-0 setback April 8 at the hands of No. 32 Argentina in Langford, B.C. — 'a game we should never lose,' said Stoney.
Article content