TOKYO, Japan – For the first time in their history, the Canadian Senior Women’s National Team will play for an Olympic Gold Medal after defeating long-time Concacaf rivals the United States 1-0 in the semifinals of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics on Monday night at Kashima Stadium in Kashima, Japan.
Bronze Medal winners at London 2012 and Rio 2016, Canada advance to face Sweden in the Gold Medal match on Saturday. The U.S. will look to claim the Bronze Medal on Thursday against Australia.
Monday’s victory for Canada was their first against the United States since 2001.
The U.S. was forced into an early change when starting GK Alyssa Naeher sustained an injury midway through the first half and was replaced by Adrianna Franch.
The U.S. continued to pepper the Canada goal with shots from the likes of Lynn Williams and Carli Lloyd and a header from Julie Ertz, but were unable to find a way past GK Stephanie Labbe.
The pivotal moment came in the 72’ when Canada’s Deanne Rose was fouled inside the U.S. penalty area, resulting in a penalty for the Canadians.
Jessie Fleming was tabbed with spot kick duties and fired her attempt past the outstretched arms of Franch to give Canada a 1-0 lead in the 75’.
The U.S. committed numbers forward in search of an equalizer, with the best look a Lloyd header in the 86’ that was tipped over the crossbar by Labbe.
In the end, though, the victory belonged to Canada, who are now assured of a third straight Olympic medal and a chance at a first ever Gold Medal.
