The U.S. Women’s Soccer Team Advances to the Semifinals

In a long, rain delayed game, the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team advances to the semifinals. The U.S. team managed a 2 - 1 victory over Canada in extra time.

In the twelfth minute, Angela Hucles scored on a close shot. The Canadian goalkeeper, Erin McLeod, was injured on the play. She tried to continue but was replaced by Karina LeBlanc.

The game was delayed by rain and lightening. Play was halted for about an hour and forty minutes. The delay seem to spark the Canadians. The Canadian team scored at the thirty minute mark to tie the game. Christine Sinclair scored for Canada on a spectacular shot from outside the box. It was the first time since the opening game that the U.S. goalkeeper, Hope Solo, was beaten.

The U.S. made the final score in extra time. Natasha Kai headed a shot by Karina LeBlanc for the victory.

The American attack was much more consistent and did not rely as much on the long shot. There were many scoring opportunities for the American women. The score would have been higher except for solid play by both Canadian goalkeepers.

This advances the U.S. Women’s Team to the semifinals against Japan. The American women seem to be improving their play with each game. The scoring has been shared by different players. The American coach, Pia Sundhage, knows that there were missed scoring opportunities. She knows that finishing offensive attack will balance out in future games. From a coaching perspective, the team’s development is ideal. The U.S. women are advancing and improving with each game.

Catherine Forsythe