The United States WNT (USWNT) is playing the Canadian WNT in a tense match-up to see who will claim the trophy in the 2024 She Believes Cup.
The United States WNT has gone through a resurgence in the past couple of weeks. After a disappointing result at the Women’s World Cup in Australia, which saw them exit very early on, they got a new coach, younger players, and different tactics. We hope Emma Hayes, the Chelsea manager, will be able to utilize every player to the best of their ability.
The Canadian WNT beat Brazil last game to earn their spot in the final, already beating their best-ever finish at a She Believes tournament. Many Canadian players are in the NWSL alongside USWNT players, so this will be sure to be an even matchup.
So, what is this intense match-up going to end in – a draw, a huge win, or a battle that goes into extra time? Not only are the United States and Canada playing for revenge against big losses in past tournaments, but they are also playing to win the first-ever She Believes Cup final.
USWNT vs. Canadian WNT Preview
United States Women’s National Team
Just 35 days since our last go, we meet again…
This time in the 2024 SheBelieves Cup final, presented by @Visa.
Five Things to Know: USA vs. Canada ?
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) April 7, 2024
The USWNT has, thankfully, had a positive uptick in recent weeks. Younger players added to the squad, like Jaedyn Shaw, Olivia Moultrie, Lily Yohannes, and Trinity Rodman have given the team a huge boost in terms of energy and passion.
The team seemed disappointed and disheartened during their World Cup performance, which left fans questioning the issue. It seems as though the old manager, Vlatko, wasn’t able to utilize the player’s strengths, make substitutions at the correct times, and perfect tactics prior to a game. The lack of coaching, and stubbornness during a game, cost the USWNT a favorable result – or a trophy – at the World Cup.
And they are back with a vengeance to win the She Believes Cup.
Jaedyn Shaw earned the Golden Ball at the Concacaf W Gold Cup, scoring four goals in her first major tournament for the national team. Mallory Swanson, a pivotal player for the team, is back and playing incredibly well after a scary knee injury last year.
Canada WNT
On the other hand, Canada has retained 18 players from the same tournament. They added new players, Janine Beckie, Emma Regan, Clarissa Larisey, and Anna Karpenko to add more depth to their squad. Plus, they beat Brazil, one of the best teams in the world, by a penalty kick shootout last week. Although Canada may struggle to score goals during a game, they have ample success in penalties.
Players to look out for include Kailen Sheridan in goal and Ashley Lawrence tearing up and down the wing.
USWNT vs. Canada WNT Probable Starting Lineups
USWNT: Naeher (GK), Dahlkemper, Davidson, Fox, Dunn, Horan, Coffey, Shaw, Swanson, Morgan, Rodman
Canada WNT: Sheridan (GK), Fleming, Buchanan, Rose, Lawrence, L. Rose, Gilles, Beckie, Leon, Lacasse
USWNT vs. Canada WNT Head-to-Head
In the past, the matches have usually been during intense tournaments, knock-out games, finals, and playoffs. However, the results are still super lopsided throughout the years. Canada has only won four games in the last 65 games against the USWNT. But, their gold medal in the 2020 Olympics will forever haunt the USWNT.
Injury Report
Catarina Macario is coming back from a lengthy knee injury, which will see her have limited minutes on the pitch. Mallory Pugh came back from being out for 364 days with a vengeance in her last match for the USWNT, but might still be following a return-to-play protocol.
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.