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Jaedyn Shaw of the USWNT controls the ball on a water-soaked pitch. Photo by CONCACAF
USWNT defeated Canada on penalties at the semifinals of the Concacaf W Gold Cup under very rough and wet conditions. Prior to kickoff, a flood watch was issued to the city of San Diego warning people of torrential rains that would envelop the city.
USWNT striker Jaedyn Shaw celebrates after scoring a goal. Photo by CONCACAF
Snapdragon Stadium, the event's venue, was covered with puddles of water. You don’t have to be a fan of the beautiful game to know that Wednesday night’s conditions are unplayable. After the match, it was never revealed on who made the final decision that the game should proceed.
In the 20', Canadian defender Vanessa Gilles decided to play the ball back to his keeper. The intention was bright but only the ball stopped in the penalty box on a pile of water. Jaedyn Shaw chipped and scored the first goal. USWNT 1, Canada 0.
Canada, knowing the ball is harder to play on a flooded pitch, adjusted in the 2nd half. An Ashley Lawrence cross found a towering Jordyn Huitema to level the scoreline in the 82' 1-1 and send the game to extra time.
USWNT took the lead once again in the 99th minute when cerebral midfielder Rose Lavelle nodded the ball into the box for forward Sophia Smith to pounce.
USWNT's Naomi Girma at the semifinals game tries to clear the ball. Photo by CONCACAF.
Just when the 15,245 fans in attendance and 3.7 million more viewing at home thought the game was over, Mexican referee Katia Garcia, after a VAR review, awarded a penalty to Canada in the 120+7'. Striker Adriana Leon converted without hesitation.
The USWNT endures a downpour prior to kickoff. Photo by CONCACAF
But then Ayssa Naeher, now on her 101st appearance in a USWNT kit, decided to put on a cape and be the hero sending the home squad to the finals. Naeher, scored a goal of her own in the shootout and saved three penalties, denying Leon, Huitema and Fleming's attempts.
USWNT will face Brazil, who won 3-0 over Mexico in the first semifinal on Sunday, March 10 at 5:15 PM. The game will be played at Snapdragon stadium and will be streamed live at Paramount+ and Fubo.
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