Abby Wambach converted an early penalty kick and the United States drew 1-1 with Canada on Saturday night in the Americans' first match since losing the World Cup final to Japan. Melissa Tancredi scored just before halftime for Canada, which ended a seven-match losing streak to the U.S. in Jon Herdman's coaching debut. Still, the Americans ran their unbeaten string in the series to 23 matches.
Wambach's penalty kick came in the 10th minute, after Emily Zurrer was called for a handball in the area. Wambach has one goal in each of the United States' last five matches. Tancredi equalized in the 42nd, slipping behind defender Christie Rampone to take a long through ball from Kelly Parker and then slot it just out of reach of diving U.S. keeper Hope Solo. USA TODAY Sports on Twitter!
To get the latest sports news from USA TODAY, including game results, columns and features, follow us on Twitter at @USATODAYSports. Tancredi has scored in back-to-back games against the United States, recording Canada's goal in the Americans' 2-1 victory on Jan. 22 at the Four Nations Cup in China.
The U.S. had several chances to retake the lead, but Lauren Cheney shot just over the bar in the 45th minute and Canadian keeper Erin McLeod made seven saves to preserve the draw.
Canada's best chance to win came in the 90th minute, when Lori Lindsey found herself 6 yards in front of an open goal, but she put the ball over the crossbar. The U.S. roster for Saturday's game — minus midfielder Shannon Boxx, who will rejoin the team for Thursday's game against Canada in Portland, Ore. — was identical to its World Cup roster. Canada went with a mix of World Cup players and newcomers.