The key moments in the USWNT vs Canada match can be seen on the video. Read about Jessie Fleming’s penalty kick and Emily Sonnet’s goal. Also, Canada's energy. Canada had its moments of brilliance, despite the dominance by USWNT.
Canada's penalty kick
The USWNT exploded on Canada's defenses during the opening half. Canada goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan and defender Kadeisha Buchanan were key in the defence for Canada, with Sheridan making the save of the match. Canada's chances came from Nichelle Prince, who was proving to be more of a threat than right back Sofia Huerta.
Jessie Fleming's penalty kick
Canada's Jessie Fleming scored a penalty kick in the 75th minute to help the team win the semifinals and advance to the gold medal match. Fleming was fouled in the box by the United States' Tierna Davidson. She confidently sent the penalty kick into the far right corner and beat US goalkeeper AD Franch. This was Canada's first victory over the United States in more than 20 years.
Emily Sonnet's goal
Emily Sonnett is one of the most accomplished players in the United States women's soccer league. She was a First-Team All-American twice and the Most Outstanding Defensive player at the 2014 NCAA Championships. In 2015 she won the ACC Defensive Players of the Year award. She was also the ESPNW Soccer player of the year. After graduating UVA, she was entered into the NWSL draft. In the semifinals of 2016's NWSL Championship, she scored her first pro goal against Western New York Flash. She eventually earned her first senior-level cap in the U.S.A and was an alternate at Rio Olympics.
Canada's energy
The Canada team showed plenty of energy during the first half of their match against the U.S. The two teams were tied 1-0 at the half. Canada's energy was high during the first half and it continued to be energetic as the game progressed. The United States had more energy off the bench, but the Canadian team dug deep and set the pace, which was disjointed at times, which suited them perfectly.
Emily Sonnet's penalty kick
Emily Sonnet's penalty kick broke a record that had stood for 969 minutes. Despite wearing a cast on her right arm, she took the penalty kick and scored. She scored her first international goal with the strike. Sonnett scored the goal at 34 minutes. Ashley Sanchez also scored in the 34th minute.
Canada's second half energy
The second half of the US Women's National Team match with Canada saw the USWNT show some energy and aggression. They began to push forward, and had many half chances, including a missed shot by Lindsey Horan. Canada's defense stood firm and refused to yield to US pressure. Canada responded to the US pressure and won a penalty kick from Alex Morgan that almost led to a goal.
Canada's energy during the first half
The USWNT reacted with a dark tone to the break, but Canada came out firing. They are pressing Canada’s back line, and their defenders are scrambling. Canada's defense has been strong. Kailen Sheridan and Nichelle Prince have made some crucial saves, with the latter earning a corner and a penalty kick.