USWNT vs. Canada score: Rose Lavelle leads USA to clean sheet win to open 2021 SheBelieves Cup

The U.S. women's national team faced off against Canada in their opening match of the 2021 SheBelieves Cup

The U.S. women's national team defeated Canada 1-0 to kick off their 2021 SheBelieves Cup. The game winning goal was provided by Rose Lavelle in the 79th minute after subbing in off the bench in the second half.

A scoreless first half between the two CONCACAF rivals provided some mixed results as Canada was able to play out of applied pressure from the U.S. An early injury to Canadian starting goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan forced a substitution in the 10th minute, with Steph Labbé providing solid performance in net to keep the game goalless in the first half despite the U.S. getting more shots on goal.

The USWNT was unable to find the breakthrough in the opening 45 minutes despite applying pressure and strong first half attacking play spearheaded by Crystal Dunn and Lynn Williams. While Canada successfully played out of the pressure under various waves of attack, they only recorded one shot on target in the first half despite spending time in dangerous spaces.

The second half provided more open play between the two sides, as the USWNT appeared to play with more urgency on the ball. Canada tried to take advantage of the open space, getting more looks in the final third, recording two more shots on target and forcing U.S. keeper Alyssa Naeher off her line and into a big save. 

A trio of offensive substitutions would shake up the game as Christen Press, Alex Morgan, and Lavelle subbed on in the 64th minute. The impact was immediate as the trio got involved in the attack, and the breakthrough came after nearly 80 minutes as Lindsey Horan provided the assist on the game winning goal from Lavelle. 

With the win, the USWNT sits in second place behind Brazil on goal differential. The two teams will face each other on Sunday in what will likely be a battle for first place in the tournament standings. 

USWNT 1, Canada 0

⚽ USA: Rose Lavelle (79')

[Feb 18, 2021 at 8:33 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

A trio of subs just past the hour mark for USWNT immediately provide impact on the game in front of goal as Lavelle and Press link up for a bit of chaos inside the box.

[Feb 18, 2021 at 8:25 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

Game has opened up after fifty minutes, USWNT being tested by Canada on transition, Naeher forced off her line on one opportunity and drawn out to save on another chance after a questionable back pass. 

[Feb 18, 2021 at 7:56 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

Halftime

USWNT leading all offensive stat areas but have been unable to find the breakthrough goal. Lots of strong build up play from Dunn, with Williams getting good looks on goal. Canada has done well to try and unlock USWNT's pressure and counteract with some looks in dangerous spaces, Allysha Chapman playing well out on the flank. 

[Feb 18, 2021 at 7:44 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

SAVE: Canada

39' Lynn Williams with a strong strike from distances forces a diving save from Labbé to keep things scoreless 

[Feb 18, 2021 at 7:27 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

USWNT doing well to apply pressure, attacking in waves in the opening 20 minutes. Canada with a good chance off a set piece corner, but Alyssa Naeher was there with the save. Three shots for USWNT compared to one for Canada, but none on target at the moment.

[Feb 18, 2021 at 7:15 pm ET · Sandra Herrera]

Stoppage of play

10' Injury to Canadian Goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan in the opening minutes here, appears to be an aggravated groin injury. Will be subbed out, Stephanie Labbé will sub in.