ORLANDO — The United States and Canada are, indeed, women’s soccer rivals. They qualify together for most major competitions, often advance deep in world tournaments and have clashed 61 times since 1986, usually with tight outcomes.
The respective players have crossed paths in college and the pros, as foes and teammates. Some have been eligible for both countries. Regardless of match importance, the meetings are never tame.
On Thursday, on the opening day of the SheBelieves Cup, U.S. domination in the neighborly rumpus was put to the test before the Americans prevailed, 1-0, on substitute Rose Lavelle’s goal in the 79th minute.