US Women's National Soccer Team

The United States women's national team play the first of two friendlies against China on Thursday at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah.

Coach Jill Ellis has named four uncapped players in her 24-player roster, including 22-year-old goalkeeper Casey Murphy, who plays for Montpellier in France.

Tobin Heath has also returned to the fold after almost a year-long absence due to various injuries.

The USWNT will be looking to stretch their unbeaten run to 15 consecutive matches in Thursday's clash, while China have lost just one of their last six.

Here are all the schedule and viewing details for the friendly:

         

Date: Thursday, June 7

Time: 9 p.m. ET, 2 a.m. BST (Friday)

TV Info: Live on FS1 (U.S.)

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go

         

China enjoyed a successful AFC Women's Asian Cup in April. They breezed through their group, picking up easy wins against Thailand, Philippines and Jordan, and then won the third-place play-off having lost to eventual champions Japan in the semi-finals.

Securing third place was vital for China as it ensured a spot in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France.

It will be a completely different challenge against the United States on their home turf, though.

The visitors can take confidence from the fact they beat the USWNT 1-0 in New Orleans the last time they came together in 2015.

However, Ellis' side have a far superior head-to-head record in historic terms.

Since 1986, the two sides have met 56 times, with the United States prevailing on 34 occasions and China 13—there have been nine draws. 

It is one of the the most storied rivalries in women's international football, and Ellis has picked a strong squad as the U.S. look to maintain the upper hand:

Utah and Ohio! 👋 We hope you're ready. Your #USWNT is coming.

Roster notes » https://t.co/IQd6gjob6d pic.twitter.com/wgnyphqg2Q

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) May 29, 2018

The USWNT's current winning streak stretches back to July last year, when they were shocked in the Tournament of Nations opener by a 1-0 defeat to Australia.

Since then the Stars and Stripes have notched up 12 wins and two draws.

Against China, they will surely be satisfied only with another pair of victories as they continue their preparations for October's 2018 CONCACAF Women's Championship, which will serve as the North American qualifiers for the 2019 World Cup.

Jaelene Hinkle said Wednesday that she declined a call-up to the United States women's national soccer team last year because her religious beliefs clashed with the LGBTQ Pride Month jerseys the team wore.

In an interview with the 700 Club, Hinkle explained her decision:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hip4OC-u_No

"I just felt so convicted in my spirit that it wasn't my job to wear this jersey," Hinkle said.

Hinkle has not received another call-up to the national team since she decided against playing for Team USA last June.

Hinkle, who made eight appearances for the national team from 2015 through 2017, acknowledged that she may never get another opportunity: "I knew in my spirit I was doing the right thing. I knew that I was being obedient. If I never get a national team call-up again, that just is part of [God's] plan."

The 25-year-old is currently a defender for the North Carolina Courage of the National Women's Soccer League. The 700 Club interview noted that teammates supported her decision.

Per Anne M. Peterson of the Associated Press, some fans booed and waved rainbow pride flags at Hinkle when the Courage faced the Portland Thorns on the road Wednesday night.

With a 9-0-2 record, Hinkle's courage are the top team in the NWSL, and they hold a 12-point lead over Seattle Reign FC for first place in the standings.

A new plaque will be made for Brandi Chastain at the Bay Area Hall of Fame after a not-so-accurate depiction of the soccer star displayed Monday night, according to Steve Gardner of USA Today.

"It was not a good job on the part of the artist. We're going to do a better job this time," Hall of Fame president Kevin O'Brien said Tuesday.

Here's a side-by-side view of the bizarre artistry:

If you thought Ronaldo's bust was off, look what they did to #USWNT legend Brandi Chastain 😬

via @annkillion pic.twitter.com/pTpAEzkyre

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 22, 2018

Chastain said she is fine with the decision to redo the plaque but wasn't offended by the first try.

"It's not the most flattering but it's nice," Chastain said diplomatically, via the Mercury News.

The 49-year-old is best known for her work with the United States women's national team, scoring the winning penalty kick in the 1999 World Cup title. As a native of San Jose and who played at the University of California and Santa Clara University in college, she is an obvious inclusion in the Bay Area Hall of Fame.

Unfortunately, the plaque could be more memorable than the induction.

This won't be the first time a poor depiction of an athlete was mocked before being remade. Emanuel Santos used a second chance to create a bust of Cristiano Ronaldo:

A year ago today, Emanuel Santos’ Cristiano Ronaldo bust was unveiled. The world laughed at him.

We challenged him to try again. He accepted. pic.twitter.com/TLV1iJv1MN

— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 29, 2018

Hopefully, the artist of Chastain's plaque will take advantage of a second opportunity as well.

The infamous Cristiano Ronaldo sculpture now has some company.

United States Women's National Team legend Brandi Chastain was recently inducted into the Bay Area Hall of Fame. And while the induction alone is an incredible honor, receiving a plaque should only add to the accomplishment.

Should.

Take a look at Chastain's plaque, though:

Our very own @brandichastain was inducted into the Bay Area Hall of Fame tonight. Congratulations Brandi! #StampedeTogether pic.twitter.com/tIbEqJqVNa

— Santa Clara Women's Soccer (@SCUWomensSoccer) May 22, 2018

That's hardly a mirror image of the World Cup hero.

Chastain herself admitted "it's not the most flattering" but noted that "it's nice," via the Mercury News:

The internet, however, was not as gentle:

Brandi Chastain is one of the most beautiful athletes I’ve ever covered. How this became her plaque is a freaking embarrassment for BASHOF. Makes Cristiano’s look perfect. pic.twitter.com/hta6c0cmSo

— Ann Killion (@annkillion) May 22, 2018

Wow, so how did an overeager Rex Ryan land on a plaque?

Spoiler Alert: He didn’t. What in THE hell is this?

Whoever‘s responsible needs to be fully investigated. (h/t @annkillion) pic.twitter.com/qxYf0F43A1

— Tim Ryan🦤 (@TheSportsHernia) May 22, 2018

I could make a list of 50 people this plaque looks like and none of them are Brandi Chastain https://t.co/fiBp2kUj9A

— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) May 22, 2018

If you've ever wondered what Bill Belichick smiling up from a sewer grate would look like, look no further than the Hall of Fame plaque of Brandi Chastain: https://t.co/qowKsEoHEq pic.twitter.com/ofUXNvDo5a

— Jay Busbee (@jaybusbee) May 22, 2018

Cristiano Ronaldo sculptor: Eh, this isn’t too bad.

Brandi Chastain sculptor: Hold my chisel.https://t.co/gshfLJs7IX

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) May 22, 2018

https://twitter.com/Crawf33/status/998914840138838016

Only logical explanation is that someone changed "Brandi Chastain" in the work order to "Busey, Gary." https://t.co/yJx3Hmfb5Q

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 22, 2018

Somebody should demand their money back for this God-awful depiction of Brandi Chastain. At first glance, I honestly thought it was Babe Ruth. https://t.co/Fuuu8ULU6X

— Juliet Macur (@JulietMacur) May 22, 2018

https://twitter.com/BarnBurnerZiggy/status/998903535923269632

Congratulates to Cristiano Ronaldo and Brandi Chastain on their recent engagement pic.twitter.com/3eYZfv43wi

— 𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗬 𝗛𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗘𝗦 (@TommySledge) May 22, 2018

According to Steve Gardner of USA Today, the plaque will be re-done. 

Megan Rapinoe was the star in the USA's 6-2 win over Mexico on Sunday, scoring once and delivering four assists in the friendly.

Alex Morgan scored twice, and Mallory Pugh, Carli Lloyd and Lindsey Horan also got in on the fun. Lloyd bagged her 100th goal in the national team shirt.

Here are the main talking points from Sunday's match.

   

Rapinoe-Pugh Connection Heats up Early

For the second friendly in a row, Pugh found herself on the scoresheet thanks to a lovely pass from team-mate Rapinoe, per the team's official Twitter account:

Pinoe to Pugh on Thursday!
Pinoe to Pugh on Sunday!@MalPugh's 5th strike of 2018 gives us an early lead in Houston 🇺🇸👏 pic.twitter.com/WH1Q1Oc2xn

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) April 8, 2018

This time around, it was a lovely through-ball that had the entire Mexican defence fooled. Pugh kept her calm, slotting the ball home after rounding the goalkeeper. It was a dream start for the hosts and 19-year-old Pugh, seen as a major star of the future.

   

Corner Trouble for the U.S.

Rival teams scouting the Stars and Stripes for potential weaknesses may have just found what they were looking for Sunday. Mexico took a shock lead in the first half, and twice, they did the damage via corners.

The first goal came thanks to a blunder from goalkeeper Jane Campbell, who allowed herself to be pushed out of position and tried to make the save from inside the goal, per sportswriter Caitlin Murray:

https://twitter.com/caitlinmurr/status/983047360962965505

After Monica Ocampo's equaliser, Kiana Palacios put El Tri ahead with a clever header. Once again, Campbell missed the mark completely, falling underneath the delivery.

   

100 for Lloyd

After Horan tied things up, it was time for Lloyd to give her side the lead and make history in the process. It wasn't the hardest goal she has ever scored―a simple header from close range―but it was memorable for a different reason:

There it is!@CarliLloyd becomes just the sixth #USWNT player to score 💯 times! pic.twitter.com/uABFAjXIFu

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) April 8, 2018

At the age of 35, Lloyd is no longer the driving force behind every American attack, but the veteran midfielder remains capable of moments of magic at any given time.

    

Brace for Morgan, but Rapinoe the Star

Morgan got her name on the scoresheet twice, but there was no denying Rapinoe was the top performer Sunday. The 32-year-old got a goal of her own to go with an incredible four assists.

Rapinoe's goal came courtesy of another goalkeeping blunder, this time on the other end of the pitch:

https://twitter.com/caitlinmurr/status/983063820439437313

   

What's Next

The United States will host China on June 7.

It was winner-take-all Wednesday night when the United States and England met in the 2018 SheBelieves Cup finale in Orlando, and the USWNT took home the trophy.

Both squads entered the final game tied atop the tournament leaderboard at 1-0-1. With England holding the edge in goal differential, the United States needed a victory to win its second SheBelieves Cup, having won the inaugural event back in 2016. A win or draw would give England its first title after a pair of third-place finishes.

Here's a look at the starting lineups the teams trotted out:

Winner takes all! 🏆 Meet our starting XI for the #SheBelievesCup finale.

Lineup notes » https://t.co/DKXpeAbgfN pic.twitter.com/nl0qIaLTxC

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) March 7, 2018

Here's the team that could secure @England the #SheBelievesCup! 🤞 pic.twitter.com/u2MYXMdzK5

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) March 7, 2018

It was all United States in the first half, although the U.S. ladies had nothing to show for it heading into the locker room. The USWNT held a 62-38 edge in possession, with a few good runs early in the first half. Neither team had many quality looks early on, but Team USA turned on the pressure just before the break.

In the 43rd minute, the Americans had a dangerous cross from Megan Rapinoe that England keeper Karen Bardsley got poked away before it could get through to Carli Lloyd or Mallory Pugh:

Oh so close. @mPinoe puts one on goal but the 'keeper gets a hand on it.#SheBelievesCup // #USAvENG pic.twitter.com/cBAG9E75GP

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) March 8, 2018

Moments later, Alex Morgan—who plays for the hometown Orlando Pride—was involved in a collision in the box, and the no-call did not sit well with the crowd. Perhaps the best scoring chance of the first half came from the 19-year-old Pugh, who worked to create an opening at the top of the box but just missed the net in the 45th minute.

Pugh didn't skip a beat coming out of the break, creating a strong chance in the opening minutes of the second half:

Relentless. @AbbyDahlkemper finds @MalPugh for another chance.#SheBelievesCup // #USAvENG pic.twitter.com/xnKYG4P1vO

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) March 8, 2018

The United States finally broke through in the 58th minute...with some help from England:

We'll take that, thank you very much! The 🔴⚪️&🔵 has its lead!#SheBelievesCup // #USAvENG pic.twitter.com/1EVgJjDxip

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) March 8, 2018

It may have been a lucky goal, but that's what happens when a team puts nonstop pressure on its opposition, as longtime USWNT defender Becky Sauerbrunn noted:

Yasssss!!! We were knocking at the door, you can’t give us too many opportunities before one little mistake allows that to happen.

— Becky Sauerbrunn (@beckysauerbrunn) March 8, 2018

The United States dominated possession and had numerous opportunities during the middle of the match. Eventually, it was rewarded.

England went into attack mode following the own goal, with a header that went off the post in the final minutes which nearly tied things up.

Sometimes you just have to praise the soccer gods.

— Becky Sauerbrunn (@beckysauerbrunn) March 8, 2018

Thanks to a strong defense highlighted by Crystal Dunn, the United States prevented the Lionesses from equalizing. 

This Dunn v. Parris matchup is fun. My money is on Crystal.

— Becky Sauerbrunn (@beckysauerbrunn) March 8, 2018

I don’t envy England right now. Chasing the game is exhausting. You go from defending for you life to attacking for your life.

— Becky Sauerbrunn (@beckysauerbrunn) March 8, 2018

In the end, a 1-0 final was enough for the USWNT to reclaim the SheBelieves Cup.

The #SheBelievesCup stays home! 🏆 Your #USWNT are 2018 champions! pic.twitter.com/QMGIQuxvvu

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) March 8, 2018

Let the confetti rain down! 🎉#SheBelievesCup champs for the second time. Raise it high, @CarliLloyd! pic.twitter.com/x4BGH1rwQ2

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) March 8, 2018

Final SheBelieves Cup standings:

1. United States (2-0-1) 7 points

2. England (1-1-1) 4 points

3. France (1-1-1) 4 points

4. Germany (0-2-1) 1 point

After finishing last in the tournament last year, the United States responded with a statement this time around. Knocking off the Nos. 2 and 3 teams in the world in a span of three games after a development year signals the USWNT is making strides.

Winning the 2018 SheBelieves Cup gets the year off on the right note as Team USA prepares for 2019 World Cup qualifying. 

The United States earned a 1-0 win over Germany in its opening game of the 2018 SheBelieves Cup at Mapfre Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, on Thursday night.

Megan Rapinoe scored the only goal in the 17th minute to seal the victory.

Thursday's game represented a stern test for the United States' back four. Kelley O'Hara has been a stalwart for the United States women's national team for nearly a decade, but the trio of Taylor Smith, Tierna Davidson and Abby Dahlkemper had combined for only 23 international caps. Davidson was making just her second appearance for the national team.

Graham Hayes of espnW noted the gulf in experience between the defense and the other areas of the pitch for the United States:

Caps by USWNT line tonight
Forwards: 295
Midfield: 349
Defense: 128 (and 105 of those are Kelley O'Hara)

— Graham Hays (@grahamhays) March 1, 2018

Sara Dabritz nearly put the U.S. back line to the sword in the 16th minute. The German midfielder had time and space inside the 18-yard box to get a shot on goal, but she mishit the ball and sent it well wide of the frame.

The United States responded by going ahead 1-0 through Rapinoe. The goal typified route one soccer, as goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher kicked the ball ahead to Alex Morgan, who headed it up to Rapinoe. Rapinoe's first touch was a left-footed shot that dipped under German goalkeeper Almuth Schult.

Only eight seconds elapsed between Naeher's kick and the ball crossing the goal line. U.S. Soccer shared a replay of the goal:

Things @mPinoe just did: THAT

The #USWNT strikes first in its #SheBelievesCup 2018 opener! pic.twitter.com/x0YnuVMh93

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) March 2, 2018

U.S. defender Becky Sauerbrunn, who missed the game due to a left foot injury, celebrated on Twitter:

That’s my girl!!! Yassssss, Pinoe! @ussoccer_wnt

— Becky Sauerbrunn (@beckysauerbrunn) March 2, 2018

Although the United States took a one-goal lead into the dressing room at halftime, the score could've easily looked different. In addition to Dabritz's miss, Germany nearly equalized through O'Hara. The 29-year-old went to make a challenge and inadvertently knocked the ball into the path of her own net. The ball bounced off the left post.

American Soccer Now's John D. Halloran wasn't impressed by the USWNT's first-half performance:

Realize conditions are far from ideal, but #USWNT still making far too many technical mistakes.

— John D. Halloran (@JohnDHalloran) March 2, 2018

Schult saved a shot from Carli Lloyd in the 54th minute, which represented the United States' best scoring chance of the second half.

The cold, windy conditions in Columbus appeared to have an impact on both teams, as neither side enjoyed significant stretches of possession. The wind in particular made it difficult for the players to track the ball on aerial passes.

Given the circumstances, coach Jill Ellis will almost certainly be happy to walk away with the result. The U.S. kept a clean sheet against the No. 2 team in the FIFA ranking.

The United States will play France in Harrison, New Jersey, on Sunday in its next match of the tournament before closing out the SheBelieves Cup on Wednesday against England in Orlando, Florida.

The U.S. will be careful to avoid a repeat of last year's SheBelieves Cup. The USWNT beat Germany to start the tournament before losing 1-0 to England and 3-0 to France. The United States finished last on goal differential.

The United States women's national team take on Germany in a friendly clash on Friday as part of the 2018 SheBelieves Cup at the MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

The game sees the top two nations in women's football clash, with Jill Ellis' team currently the No.1 side in the FIFA world rankings and Germany No.2.

Here is a look at how you can watch the game, followed by a match preview.

       

Date: Thursday, March 1

Time: 7 p.m (ET)/Friday morning 12 a.m. (GMT)

TV: ESPN2 (U.S.)

Live Stream: WatchESPN

       

Match Preview

USA have named a strong squad for the tournament, and the full roster is shown via the team's Twitter account:

The world's best have come to 🇺🇸. Meet the squad that will compete for the #SheBelievesCup 🏆 » https://t.co/yuLVzmjHjN pic.twitter.com/rzTzmOVDxS

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) February 23, 2018

Ellis' team will kick off against Germany and then face games against France and England in a high-quality tournament. The matches will allow USA to test themselves against tough opposition and sample what it is like to play in a tournament.

The overall winner will be the team with the most points, with three points awarded for a win and one for a draw. If teams finish level on points, the winner will be decided on goal difference, then goals scored and then the head-to-head record.

The hosts have a good record against Germany. In 32 meetings, they have won 21, including the last two meetings at this tournament, per U.S. Soccer.

The USA also go into the game in good form after opening their 2018 campaign with an emphatic win. They beat Denmark 5-1 in January thanks to goals from Julie Ertz, Alex Morgan, Crystal Dunn and a double from Mallory Pugh.

The 19-year-old has said the tournament will be a "huge test" for her team, per Washington Spirit:

Check-in with @MalPugh from #USWNT training camp as the squad prepares for the 3rd Annual #SheBelievesCup.#WeWill // #SpiritFam pic.twitter.com/htE6K3g5Ar

— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) February 22, 2018

Germany should pose a threat as they aim to get back on track after an unsatisfying 2017. They finished third in this tournament last time around, their win against England their only victory.

The team also failed to meet expectations at the UEFA 2017 Women's European Championship, a competition they have dominated, winning the last six in a row. Although they progressed top of their group, a quarter-final defeat to Denmark saw them exit and lose their crown.

Germany also suffered defeat to Iceland in FIFA 2019 Women's World Cup qualifying but have also handed out some drubbings, beating Slovenia 6-0, Faroe Islands 11-0 and, most impressively, France 4-0.

Captain Dzsenifer Marozsan leads the team from midfield but is also capable of contributing goals. Her club side Lyon showed her in action:

📺 Watch Dzsenifer Marozsan score a brace for the OL women's team in last night's 2-1 win over Montpellier ⚽⚽ pic.twitter.com/ChCS5FS1y2

— Olympique Lyonnais 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@OL_English) February 6, 2018

There is also plenty of firepower from forwards Alexandra Popp, Hasret Kayikci and Mandy Islacker.

Germany will go into the game as underdogs, but USA certainly can't afford to underestimate their opponents in what will be one of the most eagerly anticipated games of the tournament.

The United States women's national team host Denmark in an international friendly on Sunday, as Hope Solo is celebrated for making more than 200 appearances for her country.

The iconic goalkeeper should be in attendance to highlight her career for the Stars and Stripes, with the stopper due to be honoured in San Diego.

According to US Soccer, the player started 195 times for her country after collecting 202 caps during her illustrious 16-year career, making her first appearance in 2000.

Teenage defender Tierna Davidson could make her debut for the U.S. in California, as the youngster's stock continues to rise in her earliest days with the full squad.

Here is how you can watch the game:

            

Date: Sunday, Jan. 21

Time: 7:30 p.m (ET)/Monday morning 12:30 a.m. (GMT)

TV: ESPN2 (U.S.)

Stream: WatchESPN

                    

Preview

Solo carved a career out of controversy and brilliance, but the former No. 1 has proved she was a stone-cold winner on the pitch.

As a former World Cup winner and double Olympic gold medalist, the 36-year-old kept fans entertained during her eventful time with USWNT.

Solo is now running for the presidency of U.S. Soccer, with the outspoken talent never afraid to put her voice on the line when she is filled with passion.

Speaking to Yahoo Sports, Solo explained the transparency she would deliver if she gained the right of holding the office (h/t Eric Adelson of Yahoo Sports).

Solo said:

"I want complete transparency. The women [national team] endlessly tried to disclose the amount of money provided to the Federation. The Federation refused to so even when senators asked. There’s something going on there. There's a reason why they're not being transparent. Show people where the money is going. Then all decide where to put the money."

Julie Ertz could be the star of the match for the United States after winning the 2017 edition of U.S. Soccer's Female Player of the Year award.

The Chicago Red Stars midfielder has consistently displayed her versatility and energy on the pitch, and she will be one of the main threats to the visitors.

Ertz beat Alex Morgan to the award, with the 25-year-old scooping the most votes from eligible coaches, players and selected individuals from the media.

Denmark will use the friendly as preparation for the 2018 Algarve Cup. They currently stand 12th in FIFA's world rankings, compared to the United States' position as the best team on the planet.

The Danes were in good form as 2017 came to a close, defeating Hungary 6-1 in 2019 World Cup qualification and completing a 4-0 win over Croatia—with both matches played away from home.

Lars Sondergaard took the reigns as coach in 2017, and his players have quickly reacted to the 58-year-old's methods and tactics.

However, there is a huge gulf between both teams, and the United States have too much in their locker to contemplate anything but a comprehensive success.

Solo's career will dominate proceedings on the West Coast, and the Danes will be unlikely candidates to spoil the festivities for a legend of women's soccer.

The United States women's national team played Canada to a 1-1 draw at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Thursday night.

Alex Morgan got the United States on the board first in the first half, and Adriana Leon equalized for Canada 12 minutes after halftime.

Canada remains winless against the U.S. since it beat the USWNT at the 2001 Algarve Cup. 

The United States led after what was an evenly matched first half. The visitors may have enjoyed 57 percent possession, but Canada was dangerous on the counterattack. Each team had three shots on target, while the hosts had a slight edge in total shots with nine to the United States' five.

Megan Rapinoe nearly broke the deadlock in the 11th minute. Her shot from the left side of the 18-yard box beat Canadian goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe and looked like it would nestle just inside the far post. However, the ball hit the post and didn't cross the goal line, which allowed Canada to breath a sigh of relief.

Twenty minutes later, Morgan left no doubt as she got on the end of a header from Casey Short and fired a right-footed shot to the far post. U.S. Soccer shared a replay of the goal:

No slowing her roll 🙅‍♀️! @alexmorgan13 doing @alexmorgan13 things. pic.twitter.com/nq4w15DJ26

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) November 10, 2017

The New York Times' Caitlin Murray thought the Canadian defense was culpable for the goal as much as Morgan was responsible for scoring it:

https://twitter.com/caitlinmurr/status/928829916484734976

Canada equalized through Leon in the 57th minute.

The United States couldn't properly clear a corner kick. Rebecca Quinn's header from close range was blocked, and she had a right-footed effort carom off the crossbar. Without looking, Christine Sinclair delivered a perfect pass to an unmarked Leon, who had an easy finish to make it 1-1. 

Nafeesa Karim of CTV Vancouver shared the reaction to the goal inside BC Place:

FINALLY a goal for Canada... Adriana Leon makes it 1-1 #CANvUSA #WNTRivalry #CanadaRED #CANWNT 🇨🇦⚽️ pic.twitter.com/ftc1ejG0T1

— Nafeesa Karim (@nafeesakarim) November 10, 2017

Canada was arguably the stronger side in the second half.

Its high defensive line gave the USWNT major problems as the visitors struggled to advance the ball much past midfield before ceding possession.

The high line also allowed Canada to break much easier on the counter, and the host country nearly took the lead in the 84th minute. 

Maegan Kelly, who was making her debut for Canada, forced Alyssa Naeher to make a point-blank save on an attempted chip shot. Naeher's save didn't erase the danger for the United States, though, as the ball continued bouncing in the path of the goal. It bounced off the same post that denied Rapinoe to keep the score level.

All things considered, Canada was somewhat unlucky not to walk away with the win. SB Nation's Kevin McCauley offered a critical assessment of the United States:

College soccer players Jessie Fleming and Rebecca Quinn were both better than any professional American who played tonight.

— 歷 Kiannis 歷 (@kevinmccauley) November 10, 2017

O'Hara and Sauerbrunn were both very good and saved their teammates a lot of embarrassment tonight. Would have been 4-1 without them.

— 歷 Kiannis 歷 (@kevinmccauley) November 10, 2017

The U.S. has overshadowed the CONCACAF region for years, but this could be Canada's opportunity to emerge as the best team in North America. The USWNT still sits first in the FIFA ranking, but the team is undergoing major changes as it begins moving on from the generation of stars who delivered a World Cup win in 2015 and Olympic gold in 2012.

The sides will meet for another friendly Sunday night at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, California.

Both Canada and the United States will have an eye toward the 2018 CONCACAF Women's Championship, which will determine who qualifies for the 2019 Women's World Cup.

One result—especially a draw—doesn't mean there's a CONCACAF power shift, and Canada's performance in World Cup qualifying and the World Cup itself will go much further in showing whether it can surpass the United States.

Still, Thursday's performance from Canada makes Sunday's friendly a little more interesting.