By Elias Laradi
Canada was eliminated from the W Gold Cup on Wednesday night at Snap Dragon Stadium in San Diego losing final score 3-2 on penalties under wet and difficult conditions.
“It was obvious that the game was unplayable”, Bev Priestman said in her post-game press conference. “ What I am concerned about is the players and we had a gameplan and in minute one it was thrown out the window.”
It was pouring rain in the first half and the pitch was soaked to a point where players couldn’t even pass the ball and stumbled when running through puddles of water.
“You have to play the game that’s in front of you and I feel for the players because they spent a lot of time on the pitch and off it preparing a gameplan to beat the US but the pitch changed the game." - Canada Head Coach, Bev Priestman
The US took the lead early in the 20th minute as Jaedyn Shaw intercepted a pass from Vanessa Gilles who attempted to pass the ball back to her keeper Kailen Sheridan but instead, Shaw blasted the ball into the net.
“I think we took our game to the US and I am super proud of the players and I couldn’t ask any more from them and it’s a step forward.”
Jordyn Huitema kept Canada in the game late in the 82nd minute leveling the match as she headed in a perfect cross from Ashley Lawrence to ensure the game went into extra time.
“The players did the best they could in the conditions they were on”.
Nine minutes into extra time the US took the lead again as Sophia Smith found herself past two Canadian players and got the ball and powered it into the back of the net.
“I am not going to make excuses if the game was fair or not and both teams had to play in those conditions and it’s who could adapt the most and I am super proud of the group.”
There was a bit of drama in the 125th minute as Gilles got punched by US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and the ref went to the monitor to check for a possible penalty.
After checking the ref pointed to the spot and in the 127th minute Adrianna Leon scored to send the game into penalty kicks.
“The fact that we came back twice that’s the belief and this team feels like it has taken a step forward and we know where we need to get to and tonight was a different experience but one that can help us in the Olympics.”
The US converted three of its penalties as Smith, Naeher, and Lindsay Horan scored while Canada only converted one by Quinn who goes by one name while Leon and Huitema were denied by Naeher who made two crucial saves.
“To be fair the saves that were made were very good and we have practiced a lot but on the night there are nerves, and a packed stadium and we were on the good side of them before, and tonight we were on the bad side of them.”
The US will now face Brazil in the final on Sunday night after Brazil beat Mexico 3-0 earlier in the day. The Mexican Cinderella run to the final after shocking the US in the group stage ended one game shy of playing for a title.