The United States’ Women’s National Team is out of the gold medal hunt after losing in the semi-finals to Canada 1-0.
Canada’s winning goal, and the only point scored in the game by either side, came from a penalty kick by Jessie Fleming in minute 74 of play. The kick was awarded to Canada after a foul was called on American defender Tierna Davidson in the U.S. penalty area.
Earlier in the game, the U.S. suffered the loss of star goalie Alyssa Naeher after she collided with her teammate Julie Ertz while the two were attempting to block a goal attempt kicked by Canada. Naeher was replaced by backup goalie Adrianna Franch.
The United States had previously finished second in Group E during pool play, with one win against New Zealand, a loss to Sweden, and a draw against Australia. The team defeated The Netherlands — its opponent in the 2019 World Cup — in a quarter-final match last week.
Canada will play Sweden for the gold medal on August 6. The U.S. will face off against Australia, who lost to Sweden in semi-final play, for the bronze on August 5.
“Not the result we wanted but not done yet,” the team posted in a message on Twitter. “Still a medal to play for on Thursday.”
Not the result we wanted but not done yet. Still a medal to play for on Thursday 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Dyo92I1hxP
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) August 2, 2021
This is the first time Canada has advanced to the gold-medal round at the Olympics. They have won bronze in the two previous Games.
Canada’s captain, Christine Sinclair, currently holds the record of most goals scored in international competition, male or female, with 187, surpassing Abby Wambach’s record of 184.
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