USWNT vs. Canada score: Mallory Swanson brace earns USA win in SheBelieves Cup opener

Both of Swanson's goals came in the first half

The United States women's national team is currently in first place in the 2023 SheBelieves Cup after they defeated Canada 2-0 on Thursday evening in their opener. The match began with a player protest as Canadian players wore purple shirts saying "Enough is Enough" to highlight their ongoing pay equality dispute with Canada Soccer. Both national teams donned purple wristbands and joined arms in the center circle to express solidarity and support gender equality. 

The USWNT got off to a quick start and never looked back as Mallory Swanson scored both goals in the victory. In the day's early game, Debinha's lone goal gave Brazil a 1-0 win over Japan.

USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski was forced into some player rotations after midfielder Rose Lavelle picked up a minor injury in training ahead of the game. Andonovski told media Lavelle would be unavailable against Canada, but they hope to have her for games two and three of the tournament. Ashley Sanchez, Lindsey Horan, and Andi Sullivan completed the midfield trio against Canada, while Alex Morgan and Trinity Rodman lined up on the top line with Swanson.

The team was energetic in their press to start the game with Swanson and Sanchez forcing early saves by Canadian goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan. The breakthrough didn't take long as Rodman and Morgan, who celebrated her 200th appearance, linked play for Swanson to get the opening goal. 

Swanson also scored the team's second goal just past the half-hour mark. It was a dominant performance right from the opening whistle, despite some broken play in the second half. The urgency was just different from their Concacaf rivals, who have been dealing with weeks of distractions leading into the game. 

What's next

The SheBelieves Cup continues on Sunday as Brazil will face Canada and the USWNT will play Japan at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tenn.

[Feb 16, 2023 at 8:55 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

USWNT 2-0 with five minutes of regulation remaining

[Feb 16, 2023 at 8:53 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

USWNT looking for a third

The addition of Lynn Williams and Ashley Hatch has led to some looks in front of goal. Hatch squandered an open look against Sheridan inside the six, and Williams just couldn't get a body part on a service into the box. Still on the hunt for another goal. 

[Feb 16, 2023 at 8:31 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

Hour mark

USWNT still leads 2-0 in the 60th minute of the game, players are warming up on the sideline for Andonovski in anticipation of a substitution window.

[Feb 16, 2023 at 8:26 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

No early second half chances for USWNT 

Not as quick a start in the second half here for the USWNT. Only one sub for Andonovski with Sonnett on for Dunn, and the match is at a pace that favors Canada a bit more, though the rivals aren't generating many chances either. 

[Feb 16, 2023 at 7:56 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

Canada pushing for a goal

45+1' Janine Beckie with time and space on the ball tries a shot from distance and Naeher needs a full stretch to stop it. 

[Feb 16, 2023 at 7:54 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

Chance Canada

43' Canada wins a corner and Fleming's service into the box finds Sinclair. The header attempt is on target but just over the bar.