Canada came out ready for the US press. Vanessa Gilles stepped forward to play a long, direct ball out of the back to Jessie Fleming in the first minute to relieve the pressure. Ashley Lawrence and Fleming combined well wide in the 2’ to the same effect.

Canada’s defensive organization has been a strength all competition and Christine Sinclair showed in the 5’ that she remained committed heading a free kick clear. Nichelle Prince, too, tracked back in the 10’ showing Canada’s resolve to defensive organization. Fleming, whose play in the Women’s Olympic Football tournament has been exemplary, played through to Prince in the 18’ but the ball was just out of reach.

A few minutes later, US GK Allysa Naeher went down awkwardly in her box. After a lengthy delay and attempt to remain in the game the US had to make an injury replacement. Janine Beckie showed her commitment to defensive transition in the 31’ working back to apply pressure and force problems for the US.

With six minutes of added time at the end of the first half, the US began to pressure. Alex Morgan’s header midway through the injury time was the best chance for the US, however, and was well wide.

Canada continued their composed play out of the back to start the second half. Kadeisha Buchanan and Lawrence each making vital dribbles to play out of pressure in the 47’. Gilles ownership of the Canadian 18-yard box was also a staple of the second half. Midway through the second half, the US began to attack in waves after a triple substitution. Stephanie Labbé was up to the task however. Labbé made two key fingertip saves over the bar, punched away a dangerous set piece and stopped a point-blank Lindsay Horan attempt in the span of five minutes around the 65’.

Christen Press’ 71’ shot was saved by Labbé in what was to become a turning point in the match. Just two minutes later, Deanne Rose took the ball into the US area and was upended by Tierna Davidson. No call was made, but, a minute later Referee Kateryna Monzul was called to the VAR review booth and the PK was given. Jessie Fleming stepped up and fired past US backup Adrianna Franch to give Canada the lead in the 75’.

With 15 minutes to play, Canada committed to defend. Lawrence gave Megan Rapinoe all she could handle wide right, with Deanne Rose coming back to defend as well in the 82’. The US came close in the 86’ as second-half substitute Carly Lloyd headed off the crossbar but Canada were able to make two late substitutions and hold on.