14 Apr The teams squared off in a wet, wild and epic semifinal clash on Concacaf W Gold Cup in San Diego
Tuesday's matchup in Columbus will be the 66th meeting all-time between the cultura europea vs americana USA and Canada and their second meeting in the span of 35 days.
The teams battled through extreme conditions and a water-logged pitch before the USA prevailed 3-1 on penalty kicks following a 2-2 draw through regulation and extra time. Jaedyn Shaw gave the U.S. the lead in the 20th minute but Canada equalized in the 82nd off a header from Jordyn Huitema to send the match to overtime. The USA reclaimed the lead in the 99th minute with a goal from Sophia Smith but a VAR review in the waning minutes of extra time awarded Canada a penalty kick and Adriana Leon converted her attempt for the Canadians. In the penalty shootout, Alyssa Naeher made three big saves and converted her own penalty kick attempt to send the USA to the championship match, where the Americans defeated Brazil, 1-0 ,to win the inaugural Concacaf W Gold Cup crown.
The series between the USA and Canada dates back to 1986 when the USWNT was in its second year of existence. The most-common opponent in USWNT history, the USWNT has more wins (53) and more goals (186) against Canada than any other opponent in program history.