ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Rose Lavelle scored in the 79th minute to give the United States a 1-0 victory over Canada in the SheBelieves Cup on Thursday night.
The U.S. extended its winning streak to 35 matches overall and 51 on American soil.
Alex Morgan’s header off a cross from Crystal Dunn was just wide for the top-ranked Americans in the 68th minute. Lavelle, who came in as a substitute, picked up a loose ball off a free kick and scored.
The Canadians were competitive despite missing several key players because of injury, including all-time leading international goal scorer Christine Sinclair as well as Diana Matheson, Erin McLeod and Bianca St-Georges. Kadeisha Buchanan, Jordyn Huitema and Ashley Lawrence were not released by their European clubs.
Canadian goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan was helped off the field with an injury in the opening minutes. She was replaced by Stephanie Labbe, who made a diving save against Lynn Williams in the 39th minute.
Nichelle Prince had a pair of good chances for Canada early in the second half but couldn’t convert.
It was Bev Priestman’s first match as coach of the eighth-ranked Canadians as they prepare for the Tokyo Olympics this summer. The United States will be seeking its fifth gold medal in seven Olympic tournaments.
Canada’s last victory over the Americans was back in 2001. The United States improved its record in the series to 51-3-7.
This is the sixth edition of the SheBelieves Cup. The U.S. is the defending champion.
Earlier Thursday, Brazil defeated Argentina 4-1 in the tournament’s opening match. Argentina replaced Japan in the tournament field after the Japanese decided not to take part because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Argentina had four players ruled out of its first match because of coronavirus protocols.
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