U.S. women’s national team forward Rose Lavelle broke the deadlock in a heated battle against Canada, making the difference in a 1-0 victory over the Americans’ rival to open the SheBelieves Cup.
Lavelle powered a strike off a rebounding ball in a crowded penalty box in the 79th minute, leaping into teammates’ arms in celebration after an otherwise evenly fought match.
Canada entered into the match diminished, missing seven key players, including captain Christine Sinclair and defender Kadeisha Buchanan. But the Canadians didn’t appear to be at a disadvantage during the first half of the match.
Forward Nichelle Prince led the charge in breaking the typically smothering American high press, leading several runs before barely missing opportunities on goal.