.png)
7 months ago
43
The United States women's national team survived a pair of questionable goals from the Canadians to win the SheBelieves Cup in a penalty shootout on Tuesday night.
The game was tied at 2 at the end of regulation after a brace apiece from USA striker Sophia Smith and Canada's Adriana Leon.
Both Canadian goals would have been checked by VAR in a bigger tournament, as the SheBelieves Cup relied solely on the referee's decisions.
Controversial USA star Korbin Albert was subbed on in 75th minute and received a mixed reaction from the crowd in Columbus.
The United States trailed 1-0 at halftime after Leon scored into an empty net in the 40th minute.
Sophia Smith scored two goals for the United States to help the team defeat Canada in PKs
Crystal Dunn was in disbelief she was whistled for a foul, giving Canada a late penalty kick
Sophia Smith evened the game in the 50th minute and gave the Americans the momentary lead in the 68th minute.
Leon's first goal may have been whistled for a Canadian foul, as one of her teammates ran into American goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, but no infraction was called.
The game-tying goal from Leon in the 86th minute occurred after Crystal Dunn pushed her over inside the penalty box, with several USWNT in disbelief the nudge was enough to grant Canada a spot kick.
In real time, giving a foul appeared harsh, especially with no one to check the referee's decision.
The game nearly did not need to go to penalties, as Canada's Kadeisha Buchanan hit the cross bar with a header off a corner kick in the 90th minute.
Albert appeared as a second-half substitute for the United States against Canada on Tuesday
Naeher saved three penalties in the shootout in seven rounds, with Emily Fox slotting home the trophy-winning kick.
Several days ago, Albert shared a re-post on TikTok of a Christian worship space discussing how being gay and 'feeling transgender' is wrong.
Albert later apologized for the post.
'I want to sincerely apologize for my actions on social media,' Albert said. 'Liking and sharing posts that are offensive, insensitive and hurtful was immature and disrespectful which was never my intent.'
'I'm really disappointed in myself and am deeply sorry for the hurt that I have caused to my teammates, other players, fans, friends and anyone who was offended,' Albert continued.
English (US)