Ally Sentnors Strike…

Ally Sentnors Strike…

The US women’s national team secured their seventh consecutive clean sheet, edging out Canada 1-0 in the second match of the SheBelieves Cup. Ally Sentnor scored her seventh international goal early in the second half, converting from a corner kick to tilt the match in favor of the hosts.

The last time the United States conceded a goal was on October 23 against Portugal, marking a remarkable defensive stretch that has now lasted 714 minutes. Canada remains without a win in their last six encounters with the USWNT, with their most recent victory being their significant triumph in the 2021 Olympic semi-final.

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In this midweek clash, which was the second of three SheBelieves friendlies for each team, Canada allowed the US to control the pace in the first half. Emma Hayes’ squad dominated possession, holding 68% and outshooting Canada 9-2. Their best chance before halftime came just before the stoppage, when Sentnor managed to evade Manchester City defender Jade Rose to retrieve a loose ball at the edge of the box. However, despite her attempt at a near-post finish, Canada’s goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan was quick to dive, resulting in Sentnor hitting the side netting instead.

Sentnor started the match after coming off the bench in the previous game against Argentina, where the US won 2-0. Her combination play with forwards Alyssa Thompson, Rose Lavelle, and Trinity Rodman kept Canada on the back foot, although midfielder Sam Coffey noted during the TNT broadcast at halftime that the team could have been more patient in their shooting decisions.

In the second half, Canada became more opportunistic, targeting 20-year-old left back Gisele Thompson with sharp counterattacks led by Nichelle Prince. A pivotal moment occurred in the 49th minute when Prince set up Cloé Lacasse in a promising position in the box, but the US defense managed to block her shooting options, forcing her to retreat.

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The breakthrough came in the 55th minute when Lavelle delivered a low corner kick from the left. The ball navigated through the initial lines of players and reached Sentnor, who found space after Lacasse had exited the box looking for an outlet for a counterattack. Sentnor skillfully controlled the ball and, after it had briefly ascended, calmly directed her shot to the far post, beating Sheridan.

This goal signified that, regardless of who was in goal, Canada has not managed to keep a clean sheet since April 4, 2025, marking an eleven-match run without denying an opponent a goal and with seven losses within that stretch.

The remainder of the match saw both teams occasionally find opportunities but generally keep each other at bay. Rodman left the pitch in the 69th minute following an impressive performance, having recently dealt with a back injury that sidelined her for much of 2025. Emma Sears made her first appearance for the USWNT in her hometown of Columbus.

Both teams will conclude the three-match friendly tournament on Saturday, with Canada facing Argentina in an early afternoon kickoff (12:30 PM ET), followed by the US taking on Colombia in a late afternoon match (3:30 PM ET).