The Canadian Women’s National Team played their last SheBelieves Cup opponent, Argentina, into a penalty shootout, winning 3-2 to end the tournament. Goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan made two crucial saves during the shootout to help her side to victory.
Argentina would be Canada’s final test in the SheBelieves Cup, and a favorable win would keep them in contention for the top spot (with a few favors needed from Colombia). The Canadians came into the match with a combination of the NWSL’s and WSL’s finest. Ballers like Jessie Fleming (Portland Thorns), Jordyn Huitema (Seattle Reign FC), Brooklyn Courtnall (Bay FC), and Megan Reid (Denver Summit) are major players in the National Women’s Soccer League in the U.S. Simi Awujo (Manchester United) and Jade Rose (Manchester City) feature in the Women’s Super League in England. With the top prize visibly distant, the ladies would most definitely be playing for pride.
Canada threatened early, finding their rhythm in space around the 30th minute. Simi Awujo recovered possession in the midfield and played a pass into the box. Initially going past a teammate and a defender, the ball ended up with Jordyn Huitema. The Seattle Reign talisman sent a left-footed effort to the top left corner, testing goalkeeper Solana Pereyra’s reach. The keeper made a diving save, deflecting the ball off the post and back into play.
In the 47th minute, Canada found themselves getting closer to their first goal from a throw-in. In Argentina’s half, Janine Sonis threw the ball into Canadian youngster Annabelle Chukwu, who fought off a defender in the box to continue the attack. A centered pass got deflected and took a bounce to an unmarked Kaylee Hunter. She sent a header just off frame and a yard too far from Huitema to poach before rolling out for a goal kick.
With the match still goalless after 90 minutes of regulation, a new SheBelieves Cup rule implemented this year meant the match went straight to penalty kicks. The new rule was put in place to guarantee a winner; no draws.
Canadian goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan and Argentine goalkeeper Solana Pereyra electrified Sports Illustrated Stadium with a pair of saves to start the shootout. Agostina Holzheier converted her penalty right after Jessie Fleming to keep things level (1-1), but Sonis stepped up to give Canada the lead (2-1).
Vargas converted her try (2-2), but Grosso’s attempt changed the tide. Pereyra guessed right and blocked the low penalty with her knees, but the ball took a bounce and rolled behind her into the back of the net. Giving Canada the lead (3-2), it was up to Vanina Preininger to convert to keep Argentina in the shootout. The San Lorenzo midfielder skied her attempt over the bar, giving Canada the win.
Now Canada waits to see the result of the USA-Colombia match. If the U.S. wins it, the Canadians can still leave with their heads held high. They won a hard-fought battle while their talented pool of youth earned crucial national team experience.
-Jon Jones
Photos: Anthony Reaves