The U.S. women’s national team achieved a narrow 1-0 victory over Canada on Wednesday, a result that often leaves players wanting more.
However, head coach Emma Hayes saw it as an ideal scenario after the team’s second match in the 2026 SheBelieves Cup.
“I appreciate winning matches like this, even when it’s close at one-nil,” Hayes stated.
In this matchup, the U.S. faced its biggest challenge from itself rather than Canada. Several hurried passes led to missed opportunities. Nonetheless, the USWNT maintained over two-thirds of possession and outshot Canada 18 to 6. By the time Canada got its second corner, the U.S. had already earned 10.
The USWNT hasn’t allowed a goal since October. But for Hayes, the focus wasn’t solely on the score.
“You always want more goals, but sometimes winning one-nil has its benefits,” she noted. “It’s about managing the game when the second goal doesn’t come.”
This victory marked the 55th time the U.S. has defeated Canada in 67 matches. The teams also faced off in July, where the U.S. won 3-0. Yet, in Hayes’ opinion, Wednesday’s game was a better experience for her team.
“This was a much tougher test than July,” she added. “That match felt surprisingly comfortable.”
Canada came into this match with new momentum, having defeated Colombia 4-1 in their first tournament game. However, they again couldn’t find the net against the U.S. After the game, Canada’s head coach Casey Stoney emphasized the need for better composure.
Ally Sentnor, who was a standout performer, created early offensive threats. Even so, she and her teammates missed key finishing opportunities. She ended the first half with a shot that narrowly missed the goal.
Sentnor struck in the 55th minute, scoring from a corner delivered by Rose Lavelle. This marked her seventh international goal and third for the USWNT this year in four matches.
“I grew up playing the nine, so it felt like home,” Sentnor said after the game.
Sisters Alyssa and Gisele Thompson were critical on the left side throughout the match. Alyssa not only drew the corner leading to Sentnor’s goal but also had multiple close attempts, including the first shot on target near the end of the first half.
Gisele, fresh off a full game against Argentina, was active all night long. “She’s starting to step out of her sister’s shadow, and her time will come,” Hayes commented about Gisele.
The U.S. veterans, including Rose Lavelle and Emily Sonnett, provided strong leadership. Lindsey Heaps, who scored the first goal against Argentina, took the captain’s armband in the match’s final 20 minutes.
“Their maturity is growing thanks to players like Rose, who help them feel supported while facing high challenges,” Hayes noted.
Hayes highlighted the importance of emotional discipline, especially after the intense match against Argentina. The U.S.’s ability to maintain its lead on Wednesday demonstrated their growth as a team.
With two victories so far, the U.S. aims for the tournament title on Saturday in New Jersey against Colombia, who recently won 1-0 over Argentina but had lost 4-2 to Canada in their opening match.
Reflecting on Wednesday’s performance, Hayes stated, “It was one of my favorite performances because they’re developing.”