The USWNT opened their SheBelieves Cup campaign against a Canadian side that hadn’t played since March 2020 and has a new coach. Portland Thorns FC players Becky Sauerbrunn, Lindsey Horan, and Crystal Dunn started. Sophia Smith was available on the bench.
Dunn and Horan played 82 minutes while Sauerbrunn played the full 90.
The match started at a frantic pace. Both teams pressed high and forced the other into turnovers. The USWNT did not look like their dominant selves. Canada defended well and looked dangerous on the counter attack. The Canadians began creating more danger when Janine Beckie came in from the wing to operate as a number 10.