Swanson strikes twice, USWNT in control during SheBelieves Cup win over Canada

Swanson is looking unstoppable these days for the USWNT

The U.S. women’s national team showed signs that they’re shifting into World Cup mode on Thursday.

A dominant USWNT created a slew of early chances and stifled Canada en route to a 2-0 win in what was the SheBelieves Cup opener for both teams. Mallory Swanson carried on her inspired recent form, scoring both goals in a match that was never particularly close.

Of course, the game arguably wasn’t the primary concern on the night. Earlier this week, Canada said they’re playing the SheBelieves Cup under protest, and took the field for warm-ups and national anthems in purple shirts reading “Enough is enough.”

Canada’s players refused to train early in the window before being forced back to work by the specifics of Canadian labor law. On Tuesday, players detailed funding cuts and a collective sense of hitting a breaking point with their federation. Both teams gathered in a circle at midfield before kickoff in a striking show of solidarity between two teams who have played so many physical, intense matches over the years.

Meanwhile, the USWNT had a statement of their own already on the docket, with players wearing wrist tape bearing a “defend trans joy” message. That echoed statements from Alex Morgan on the the side’s frustration at seeing anti-trans legislation being proposed or enacted in all three states that will host the SheBelieves Cup.

After the shows of unity and support, the USWNT paid Canada what is arguably their ultimate show of respect, playing at full intensity and challenging their longtime foe at every turn. There is no “let’s take it easy on them” in this rivalry, after all.

Swanson’s shot from the endline nearly beat Kailen Sheridan inside the game’s first minute, and Sheridan had to produce an even better save to deny Ashley Sanchez’s third-minute blast from 19 yards.

The level of pressure was always likely to become a goal, and Swanson answered the call in the seventh minute. Trinity Rodman froze Allysha Chapman before crossing low from the right, and though Morgan couldn’t corral the service, her touch teed Swanson up for a superb half-volley past Sheridan.

Lindsey Horan glanced a 17th minute header off the foot of the post after a deep cross from Emily Fox caught Canada unprepared.

The Canadians finally got a break as the USWNT scaled down its high-press to conserve energy, holding an organized shape and allowing Canada’s defenders to pass amongst one another for a spell.

Unfortunately for Canada, that possession ended up being costly. Under token pressure from Morgan, Vanessa Gilles turned into further trouble, eventually sending a pass to Sheridan that really just set Swanson up for an empty-netter.

Canada’s first serious look at goal came in first-half stoppage time, but it required a stellar save from Alyssa Naeher, who tipped away Janine Beckie’s 21-yard rocket in the final moments of the half.

Play took on a less consistent tempo in the second half, with Canada able to blunt some of the USWNT’s attacking threat by winning some physical challenges and committing some tactical fouls. Still, that was only half of the recipe for a comeback, and Naeher had little to do other than be tended to by trainers briefly for what appeared to simply be some muscle tightness.

Still, the USWNT probably should have run out with a more comfortable final margin. Substitute Kristie Mewis did brilliantly to control a long ball and, while being dragged down, place a delicate pass into the path of Ashley Hatch. In alone, Hatch took an extra touch that allowed Sheridan to close the angle and stop her from eight yards out.

The win puts the USWNT atop the SheBelieves Cup standings, ahead of Brazil — who beat Japan 1-0 earlier on Thursday — on goal difference. The U.S. will take on the Nadeshiko in Nashville on Sunday, while Canada and Brazil will play the second half of the doubleheader.

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