COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a tightly contested match at Lower.com Field, the United States women's national soccer team secured a 1-0 victory over Canada on Wednesday evening in the SheBelieves Cup tournament, thanks to a second-half goal from midfielder Ally Sentnor.
The game, played under crisp March conditions, saw the U.S. maintain their defensive stronghold, extending their streak to seven consecutive shutouts. Sentnor's strike in the 55th minute proved decisive, coming off a well-executed corner kick from Rose Lavelle. The 22-year-old gathered a bouncing ball in the box, evaded two Canadian defenders, and fired it past goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan to notch her seventh international goal.
According to ESPN's game analysis, the United States dominated possession in the first half with nearly 70 percent of the ball but struggled to break through Canada's organized defense. The score remained level at halftime, setting the stage for Sentnor's breakthrough moment early in the second period. This goal marked her third of the calendar year and highlighted her growing prominence on the international stage.
Sentnor, who plays professionally for the NWSL's Kansas City Current, was honored as U.S. Soccer's young player of the year in 2024. Her performance against Canada underscored her poise and finishing ability, qualities that have made her a key piece in coach Emma Hayes' rebuilding efforts for the team.
The win propelled the United States to the top of the SheBelieves Cup standings with two victories, ahead of Canada and Colombia, each with one win. Earlier in the day at nearby ScottsMiracle-Gro Stadium, Colombia edged Argentina 1-0, with Linda Caicedo scoring the lone goal for the South American side. The tournament, now in its 11th year and hosted annually by the U.S., features four teams vying for the title over a week of matches.
For Canada, the loss snapped a strong start to the tournament, where they had previously defeated Colombia 4-1 in their opener. The Canadians were hampered by the absence of midfielder Jessie Fleming, who sat out due to illness. Fleming's last notable contribution against the U.S. came during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where she converted a penalty in a 1-0 semifinal win that propelled Canada to gold medal glory—their most recent victory in the storied rivalry.
Historically, the matchup has been lopsided in favor of the Americans, who hold a 55-4-9 record against Canada since their first meeting in 1986. The most recent encounter, a 3-0 U.S. win in July 2025, further illustrated the gap. Wednesday's result continued that trend, though Canada's resilience kept the game closer than the scoreline suggested.
U.S. coach Emma Hayes made a bold call by starting forward Trinity Rodman, despite the player nursing a nagging back injury from last year. Rodman had taken a hit late in Sunday's 2-0 SheBelieves Cup win over Argentina in Nashville, but Hayes opted to include her in the lineup. "The SheBelieves Cup is so beneficial for USWNT," Hayes said in post-match comments, emphasizing the tournament's role in building depth and chemistry ahead of future competitions.
The American defense, anchored by goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, was impenetrable throughout. The U.S. hasn't conceded a goal since a 3-1 victory over Portugal in October 2025, a testament to Hayes' tactical discipline since taking over as coach. Canada's attacks, led by players like Ashley Lawrence, created a few chances but couldn't find the net, with Sheridan making several key saves in the first half.
This SheBelieves Cup marks Canada's fourth appearance in the event, which has become a staple for women's international soccer in the United States. The tournament provides valuable preparation for both teams as they gear up for World Cup qualifiers and other regional competitions. For the U.S., it's an opportunity to integrate younger talents like Sentnor alongside veterans such as Lavelle, who provided the assist with a precise corner.
Looking back, the rivalry between these North American neighbors has produced some of the most memorable moments in women's soccer. Canada's Olympic triumph in Tokyo remains a high point, but the U.S. has reasserted dominance in recent years, including their Olympic gold in Paris 2024. Wednesday's match added another chapter, with Sentnor emerging as the hero in a game that showcased the physicality and skill of both sides.
Fans in Columbus, a city with a growing soccer scene, filled the stands to support the U.S. team, creating an electric atmosphere despite the chilly evening. The victory not only boosted morale but also solidified Hayes' early tenure, as the team eyes a strong finish to the tournament.
Upcoming fixtures will determine the champion. On Saturday, the United States faces Colombia in the finale at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, while Canada takes on Argentina in the earlier matchup. A win for the U.S. would cap off a perfect tournament, potentially setting a positive tone for the rest of their 2026 schedule.
Beyond the pitch, the SheBelieves Cup highlights the growth of women's soccer globally. With increasing investment and viewership, events like this are crucial for developing talent and rivalries. As Hayes continues to shape the squad, performances from players like Sentnor and Rodman suggest a bright future for the four-time World Cup champions.
In the broader context, this result underscores the U.S. team's resilience following a transitional period. Hayes, who joined after a successful stint with Chelsea, has emphasized long-term development, and the shutout streak is a clear indicator of progress. Canada's coach, Bev Priestman, acknowledged the challenge post-game, noting her team's competitiveness despite the missing pieces.