USWNT Player Ratings vs Canada: Sophia Smith and Alyssa Naeher are heroes in thrilling SheBelieves Cup final shootout win
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Tuesday's chaotic final was reminiscent of their clash in March's CONCACAF W Gold Cup, but the result was the same, with the U.S. claiming glory.
It was deja vu all over again, particularly for Alyssa Naeher. A disastrous goalkeeping mistake was followed by a heroic penalty shootout performance from the U.S. women's national team star. We saw this exact scenario at the CONCACAF W Gold Cup a month ago, and Tuesday night's SheBelieves Cup final felt like rewatching a movie you'd just seen.
In the end, it was the same result, a USWNT triumph over rivals Canada in a shootout after a 2-2 regulation draw. And, in the end, the USWNT earned another trophy as they continue to build towards the Olympics while giving interim boss Twila Kilgore a brilliant send-off at the same time.
Naeher was the star of the show again as she took yet another journey that ended in heroism. Canada's early goal, a finish from Adriana Leon, was certainly her fault. Fortunately for her, the USWNT battled back, with Sophia Smith notching a brilliant brace.
A late Canada equalizer from the penalty spot set things up for the two teams to battle in a shootout, and once there, it was inevitable: Naeher wasn't going to be stopped. She saved three Canada penalties while making one of her own, leading the charge in their 7-6 shootout victory.
It was another eventful night for the USWNT that saw them earn their second trophy of the calendar year, setting them up for a perfect summer run at glory. The USWNT are marching toward the Olympics, and they have every reason to believe as they head into this Summer's showcase event.
GOAL rates the USWNT's players from Lower.com Field...
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Goalkeeper & Defense
Alyssa Naeher (7/10):
What is it about Canada? For the second consecutive match against the northern rivals, Naeher committed a disastrous error. And, for the second consecutive time, she went crazy in the shootout. Multiple saves and a penalty make of her own? Naeher sure is electric in these games.
Crystal Dunn (5/10):
Was a bit too high on Canada's goal, but that's the trade-off you make with Dunn. The penalty she conceded was incredibly soft, so you can't even blame her for it, really.
Abby Dahlkemper (6/10):
Very composed on the ball, but she's so much better with a pacier defender like Naomi Girma next to her, who she replaced in the XI to begin with.
Tierna Davidson (5/10):
Disastrous miscommunication with Naeher on the opening Canada goal. Was solid otherwise, but defenders are defined by their mistakes.
Emily Fox (7/10):
Solid as always. Was all over the field throughout and then had the confidence to bury the winning pen. You always know what you're getting from Fox.
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Midfield
Emily Sonnett (6/10):
Felt a bit redundant during the first half, but was helpful in the second when the U.S. switched things up tactically. Her penalty, a chance to win it, was awful, but her teammates bailed her out.
Sam Coffey (6/10):
Wasn't as good as she has been recently, which is partly due to her and Sonnett doing a lot of the same things. Because of that, it made sense to take one of them out for Swanson to start the second half.
Lindsey Horan (7/10):
Played a big part in the second goal with her line-breaking pass. Was physically mauled several times, but Horan kept her head down and balled out.
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Attack
Jaedyn Shaw (7/10):
Another game, another goal contribution. Smith did most of the work with her long-range finish, but Shaw was tidy on the ball before providing the assist.
Alex Morgan (6/10):
Had one really good chance and was unlucky to see it blocked away. The team looked more free-flowing after she came out, which isn't ideal for her.
Sophia Smith (8/10):
Oh, she needed this. She hasn't gotten on the scoresheet enough throughout the past year or so, but she's still so, so dangerous. Turning that danger into goals is vital for the USWNT and, if Smith is this good at the Olympics, defenses are in trouble.
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Subs & Manager
Mallory Swanson (8/10):
Immediately changed the game, particularly with her passing. Was incredible with the ball at her feet, offering a glimpse into what might have been had she been healthy last summer.
Trinity Rodman (7/10):
Fantastic assist to set up Smith's second goal. Will be frustrated by her missed pen, though.
Korbin Albert (6/10):
Came in to replace Shaw to add a more traditional midfielder to the mix. Didn't really change the game much.
Casey Krueger (N/A):
Last-minute sub. Hardly had time to run around, but was a solid close-out sub.
Twila Kilgore (7/10):
Girma's injury forced her hand a bit and the XI did have some weak points. Nailed it with the subs, especially Swanson, who changed the match.
