Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team have opened their 2023 season at the SheBelievesCup falling 2-0 to hosts USA at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida. USA striker Mallory Swanson scored both goals in the first half while Canada’s Kadeisha Buchanan earned her team’s Performance of the Match honours. Canada will look to bounce back on Sunday when they face Brazil in at Geodis Park in Nashville.
Canada pushed to respond to the United States’ two-goal lead, by controlling possession in their opposition’s half and searching for ways to break down the Americans deep backline. They mustered up a few chances throughout the first half.
Going into the second half Canada added an element of urgency to its game plan. They riled themselves to score the American backline supported the Canadians attacking efforts. In the 65th minute, defender Kadeisha Buchanan slid across the 6-yard box to clear a dangerous low-driven ball. Moments later, Sheridan was called into action with a diving save, a flying punch and a one-on-one show-stopping deflection to keep the Canadians in the match.
Next, Canada will face Brazil on Sunday 19 February in Nashville, TN at 17.30 local (18.30 ET / 15.30 PT), followed by Japan on Wednesday 22 February in Frisco, TX at 15.00 local (16.00 ET/13.00 PT) for their final SheBelieves Cup match.