The United States Women’s National soccer team (USWNT) sealed its spot in the 2024 Olympics thanks to a late penalty from Alex Morgan that resulted in a 1-0 win over Canada for the CONCACAF championship in Monterrey, Mexico. Morgan’s penalty came in the 78th minute.
“It always feels good to be called a champion, so this game just feels good to us,” Morgan said. “Canada gave us a run for our money, but we prevailed and we feel good about it.”
Morgan has 118 goals for the United States in 196 caps.
Monday night marked a rematch of last summer’s Olympic semifinal game that saw Canada win 1-0 before going on to win the gold medal in Tokyo.
Monday’s win marked the side’s record ninth women’s championship title. They became the first country to qualify for all eight Olympics.
“It is very obvious the team is significantly younger than the previous time we played Canada,” U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski said. “We changed five players in the starting lineup. They’re going to be here for at least three, maybe four World Cups. So get used to it.”
The United States won the possession battle 55-45, with 17 total shots compared to 11 for Canada. Canada did have just one shot on goal fewer than the U.S.
USWNT were just more aggressive from the get-go, though, finishing with six more corner kick opportunities than Canada.
In CONCACAF play, it’s an understatement to say the USWNT aren’t dominant. They haven’t allowed a goal in CONCACAF play in over 11 years.
In this year’s tournament — five wins in five games played, 13 goals scored and zero conceded.
“I’m very happy with the gradual improvement,” Andonovski added. “I thought there were moments of the games that we showed improvements. Those are the moments we’re happy about, that give us validation to what we do. “It means we’re moving in the right direction.”
Julia Grosso was awarded the Golden Boot for the CONCACAF W Championship. In September 2023, Canada will take on Jamaica for a final chance to qualify for the 2024 Olympic in Paris.
