The U.S. Women’s National Team’s winning streak against Canada continued on Wednesday, as a late goal led the Americans to a 1-0 win. Christine Nairn entered the match in the 81st minute for the USA, earning her second cap. Eight minutes later she netted the game-winner, which lead the American’s to the 1-0 win.
In the 89th minute Angela Hucles found an open Abby Wambach in the box. Wambach sent the ball toward goal. Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod bounced the ball back into play.
Lauren Cheney took control, keeping the USA in pursuit of its first goal of the night. Cheney sent an attempt toward goal. McLeod blocked the shot. Nairn charged into the box and knocked in a low ball to give the USA the 1-0 lead.
“I was first of all excited to get in the game, but Cheney did all the hard work and I was just there to make sure it went in the goal,” Nairn said. “I’ll take it if I can. If Abby didn’t make that run and that touch, and Cheney didn’t follow it up, I wouldn’t have made it. “It’s awesome. I can’t even explain how I feel right now its awesome to even be on this team and be considered for this team so to put one away like that and win the game is a great feeling.”
With the goal, Nairn became the youngest woman to tally a goal at 18 years old since Heather O’Reilly in 2002. O’Reilly tallied her first goal for the USA when she was 17 years old.
The Americans dominated play against Canada, outshooting the visitors 18-8. In the first half alone, Chicago Red Star teammates Lindsay Tarpley and Megan Rapinoe combined for seven attempts. McLeod kept Canada in the match, with six saves.
Canada had a number of scoring chances keeping U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo on her toes. Christine Sinclair challenged the U.S. back line early in the second half, charging toward goal. Solo blocked the attempt. Minutes later, Sinclair crossed the ball to Jonelle Filigno. In a one vs. one matchup with Solo, Filigno launched the ball over the net. Solo made four saves for the U.S. helping the women earn their third straight shutout.
“I think this game was very important because of the way we have been playing and working on the attacking third,” U.S. Women’s Head Coach Pia Sundhage said. “We didn’t score that many goals, but we scored a goal. And we gained some confidence by that and we will continue to work on the attack, especially in the attacking third.”
The U.S. Women have faced Canada three times this season, posting three straight shutouts, while tallying six unanswered goals. The USA is now on hiatus until after the conclusion of the Women’s Professional Soccer inaugural campaign. No matches have been announced at this point, but the Americans are expected to play a number of friendlies this fall. The team will reunite in late September.