It rained cats and dogs in the Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, making the pitch damp and injury-prone. Nonetheless, the USWNT and Canada pushed the limits in a photo finish in the CONCACAF W Gold Cup SF. After the US regained the lead in the 99th minute with a Sophia Smith strike, Canada’s Adriana Leon converted a 127th-minute penalty and pushed the game into a decisive shootout.

USA stood their ground during the penalty shootout, beating Canada 3-1 to earn a final spot against Brazil. Though drama and intensity peaked in the game, a bunch of former USWNT stars wanted the CONCACAF to reschedule the semi-final because of extreme weather. Ex-USWNT midfielder Julie Foudy condemned the CONCACAF for not stopping the semi-final clash.

“Why isn’t CONCACAF calling this match. Play it tmrw. Someone is going to get hurt,” she wrote on X. The likes of Samantha Mewis and Lauren Holiday joined the veteran with the same concern. “Why are the players put in this situation? No chance these are safe playing conditions,” Mewis tweeted. “Call the game. Don’t wait another minute,” Holiday posted on X. Ironically, a match that was demanded to be canceled went all the way to penalties.

USWNT’s goalie Alyssa Naeher emerged as the team’s hero in the nail-biting tiebreaker. She stopped 3 out of 4 shots that Canada fired from the spot and even donned the kick-taker’s hat to convert a successful penalty. Meanwhile, Sophia Smith and Lindsey Horan netted the USWNT’s other penalties to confirm their cruise to the finale.

A dramatic win takes USWNT a game away from seizing CONCACAF silverware!

While USWNT put up a tough fight to oust Canada, Brazil eased past Mexico in the prior SF at the Snapdragon Stadium. Brazil scored thrice against a Mexican side that misfired and conceded a red card. Now, they await the finale against the USWNT on Sunday night. Since the US-Canada semi-final raised concerns about horrific weather and pitch conditions, the USWNT legends and other experts will closely scrutinize the coveted upcoming final.

Meet Alex Morgan’s Husband Servando Carrasco: Everything to Know About USWNT Star’s Ex-MLS Partner & More

Trending

Manchester City vs West Ham United- Expected Starting Lineups, Injuries, Teams News, Predictions, Head-to-Head Stats, Live Streaming & TV Channels

Kevin De Bruyne Injury Update- Pep Guardiola Reveals Manchester City Star’s Status For West Ham Clash

NWSL Salaries – How Much Do Female Soccer Stars Earn in US?

Sidelined By Injury Vs Orlando, Is Lionel Messi Playing Tonight For Inter Miami Vs DC United?

Wrexham Academy Executive Director Fires Shots at Pre-Ryan Reynolds Takeover Manager Following ‘Not Fast’ Jibe

Brazil has not lost a single game in this CONCACAF W Gold Cup. Whereas, the US side succumbed to Mexico in the group stage. The former could have an upper hand in the final. However, when Twila Kilgore and Co.’s resilience was tested by horrific rain and Canada’s goal-scoring prowess, they held their forte and proudly seized a win.

Hence, the finale in San Diego will be nothing short of women’s soccer’s El Clasico.

USWNT’s Impressive 33-Match Streak Snapped by Mexico’s Breakthrough Goal in CONCACAF W Gold Cup