Utah Royals FC defender Kelley O’Hara earned CONCACAF Best XI honors in helping lead the U.S. Women’s National team to a 2-0 win over Canada to claim the CONCACAF Women’s Championship on Wednesday night at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
O’Hara started alongside URFC teammate Becky Sauerbrunn on the U.S. back line to earn another clean sheet. URFC forward Christen Press did not see any playing time, but still represented team USA. On the other side, URFC midfielder Diana Matheson did not start for Canada, but entered the match in the 76th minute.
Just as previous games in the tournament, the U.S. scored early. Washington Spirit midfielder Rose Lavelle scored the first goal in the second minute off a poor clearance from a Canadian defender. Lavelle scored a left-footed shot off the top of the penalty box. The game was aggressive throughout the first half, as three yellow cards were shown and both teams tested one another with Canada came close to equalizing, but the U.S. finished the half ahead 1-0.
In the second half, Canada sustained high pressure on the U.S., but only managed to acquire one shot on target. The U.S. maintained composure and finally collected a second goal in the 89th minute by Orlando Pride forward Alex Morgan to put the game away.
The rivalry was tense and Canada contained the U.S. from scoring more than previous matches. However, team USA accomplished another clean sheet and concluded the tournament undefeated.
Both teams will now advance and prepare for the 2019 World Cup in France.
