SheBelieves Cup Recap: United States 2 (5) - Canada 2 (4)

Twila Kilgore ends her stint as interim coach with another title following a shootout win over Canada!

Photo Courtesy of U.S. Soccer

Twila Kilgore wrapped up her stint as interim head coach of the United States Women’s National Team Tuesday evening as the U.S. squared off against Canada in the 2024 SheBelieves Cup final inside Columbus’ Lower.com Field.

Kilgore and the U.S. booked their ticket to the final thanks to goals from Jaedyn Shaw and Lindsey Horan propelled the United States to a 2-1 comeback victory over Japan. Bev Priestman and Canada entered the final following a 4-2 shootout victory over Brazil.

Alyssa Naeher started in goal behind the back line of Crystal Dunn, Tierna Davidson, Abby Dahlkemper, and Emily Fox. Emily Sonnett, Sam Coffey, Jaedyn Shaw, Lindsey Horan, and Sophia Smith comprised the midfield, while Alex Morgan was alone up top.

A poor choice caused trouble for the U.S. in the 40th minute. Jade Rose sprung a ball up the right flank and Naeher ran off her line as Ashley Lawrence darted towards the loose ball atop the box.

Neither player got to the ball and the two crashed into one another. The ball fell to Deanne Rose, who cut the ball centrally to Adriana Leon. Despite defenders dropping back to defend the goal line, Leon found the back of the net to give Canada a lead right before halftime.

Kilgore made one change before the start of the second half as Mallory Swanson replaced Coffey. The substitute nearly had an instant impact as a pinballed clearance landed at Swanson’s feet atop the box. She attempted to slot a left-footed shot on goal, but the save was made.

Smith put the U.S. on her back in the 50th minute. After receiving Dunn’s pass atop the box, Smith shook off her defender and struck a left-footed shot into the bottom-left corner of the net to level the game at one apiece.

Smith nearly found a second goal in the 62nd minute when Swanson sprung a ball forward. After outrunning her defenders, Smith found herself one-on-one with the keeper.

Despite the phenomenal chance, Smith took too many touches as the Canadian defense caught up and dispossessed her as Sheridan scooped up the ball.

Trinity Rodman entered the game in the 64th minute replacing Alex Morgan and she soon made an impact. In the 68th minute. Horan sent a ball forward to Shaw. Shen then sent a ball to Rodman, who cut the ball centrally to Smith. Smith slotted the ball into the net to give the United States a 2-1 lead.

Controversy struck in the 84th minute when the referee awarded Canada a penalty following a highly questionable “foul” by Dunn on Leon inside the box. Leon stepped to the spot as she looked to net a crucial penalty and keep Canada’s hopes alive and slotted a right-footed strike into the bottom-right corner to level the match at two apiece.

90 minutes was not enough to separate both sides as they headed to a shootout.

Emily Fox stepped to the spot with the chance to net the shootout-winning goal and award the U.S. the 2024 SheBelieves Cup title. She slotted a right-footed shot to the bottom-left corner and in to give the US a 5-4 shootout victory!

Tuesday’s victory marked an impressive seventh SheBelieves Cup for the United States. It also marked the second title interim head coach Twila Kilgore hoisted. 

The United States now turns its focus to a pair of international friendlies against South Korea at the beginning of June. While only friendlies, June’s slate of games will mark Emma Hayes’ first outing with the U.S. since taking the job on November 14th, 2023.