USWNT Win 2021 SheBelieves Cup

On Wednesday night in Orlando, the USWNT clinched their fourth SheBelieves Cup victory.

After opening the tournament with two tight games against Canada and Brazil, the United States’ offense finally exploded into life in the rubber match against Argentina. 

In the end, the USA scored nine times and conceded zero goals over the course of the tournament. 

Canada Highlights

The tournament opener was primarily a defensive battle for the USWNT. The game remained scoreless deep into the second half, with Canada doing an impressive job to stifle the defending champions. 

Eventually, the ball fell to substitute Rose Lavelle in the box in the 79th minute, and she made no mistake. Lavelle’s goal was enough for the USWNT to overcome the Canadian challenge and secure all three points.  

Brazil Highlights

The USWNT’s second game against Brazil was another closely contested fixture. Christen Press opened the scoring for the USA in the 11th minute after cutting inside onto her right foot at the edge of the 18 yard box. 

Brazil held the deficit at one until the 88th minute, when Megan Rapinoe got on the end of a Lindsey Horan to ice the game.  

Argentina Highlights

After two close games, the USWNT used their game against Argentina to put a bow on the tournament victory. The team exploded for six goals from five different goal scorers. Rapinoe scored twice, and Press, Carli Lloyd, Kristie Mewis and Alex Morgan all found the back of the net as well. 

Final Standings

The USWNT’s three victories secured their second straight title and their fourth overall. Brazil finished as the runner up, three points back of the USA, while Canada took third place. Argentina, who were a late replacement for Japan due to Covid reasons, ended the tournament at the bottom of the standings. 

The USA’s dominant display made 2021 the first time that a team has made it through the tournament without conceding a single goal.  

Tournament MVP

Rose Lavelle took home the tournament MVP honors, which was decided by a fan vote.

Lavelle appeared in all three games for the United States. Her game winning goal against Canada was her biggest contribution. 

Looking Ahead

This summer’s Olympic games in Japan provide 2021’s biggest target for the USWNT. Teams will only be able to bring a roster of 18 players to that tournament, which means head coach Vlatko Andonovski has a difficult job on his hands. 

Although the SheBelieves Cup presented a great opportunity for the USWNT to pick up some silverware early into the year, it may end up having served an even greater purpose with regards to the Olympics. 

For players on the bubble, the tournament may have been one last chance to audition for the roster that will head to Tokyo in July.

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