It was revenge time for the Americans in the CONCACAF Women’s Championship final. They had still not swallowed their defeat against Canada in the semi-finals of the last Olympic Games and they made it clear by winning the match by a score of 1-0.
Posted at 12:11 a.m.
With this victory, the American national team obtains its ticket for the Olympic Games in Paris, in 2024. Beyond the continental title, it is probably the most significant aspect which was at stake in this disputed match in the Estadio BBVA, in Monterrey, Mexico. Both teams were also already qualified for the 2023 World Cup by virtue of their place in the tournament’s semi-finals.
Canada will therefore have to face Jamaica in its last chance to make it to the Games. This matchup is expected to take place in September 2023.
First in the world rankings, the Americans made short work of the Canadian troops, even though 10 of the 11 players who started the match were from the team that won the gold medal at the Tokyo Games for Canada. It’s the fifth time the Canadians have lost to their rivals in the CONCACAF Championship final.
Alex Morgan propels his team
The only goal of the game was scored by Alex Morgan. The star of the American team took advantage of a penalty to score his 118e goal in the national team and to offer victory to his team in the 78e minute.
The 33-year-old athlete did not ask for so much. Canadian Allysha Chapman pushed midfielder Rose Lavelle into the penalty area and that’s what forced the official to award the shot.
The left-hander beat goaltender Kailen Sheridan with a low shot from the right side. Sheridan dashed to the other side.
However, the 27-year-old goalkeeper has nothing to be ashamed of. It was she who allowed her team to stay in the game.
Early in the match, the Americans imposed their rhythm and applied a lot of pressure in the opposing territory. Sheridan was alert, especially since the threat was coming from everywhere. Alex Morgan, Lindsey Horan and Sophia Smith knocked on the door in turn in the first half.
The dominance of the United States was such that Canada’s first real scoring chance came in the 17e minute from the foot of Nichelle Prince.
Sheridan made two monstrous and crucial saves, with the gloves on in the 31e minute against Mallory Pugh and another, a little lucky, on the goal line with his legs, at the expense of Smith. The Americans fired 10 shots at the net in the first 45 minutes of play as Canada just defended.
PHOTO DANIEL BECERRIL, REUTERS
Kailen Sheridan
The story of the second half was similar to that of the first. Despite the entry into play of the talented Julia Grosso, the Olympic champions were unable to break through the wall of Alyssa Naeher.
The Americans dominated in all categories and this explains why they are the ones who are guaranteed to go to Paris in two years.
It is also their ninth CONCACAF title.