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The United States women's national soccer team secured their second consecutive victory at the 2026 SheBelieves Cup with a 1–0 triumph over Canada at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio, on Wednesday evening.
Kansas City Current striker Ally Sentnor netted the match's lone goal in the 55th minute. The 22-year-old powerfully struck the ball into the net on a half-volley from Rose Lavelle's corner kick delivery, marking her seventh international goal for the USWNT.
The USWNT dominated possession and maintained control over Canada throughout most of the match. Despite the tight scoreline, the United States finished with 65% possession and outshot their northern neighbors 18–6 when the final whistle blew.
This victory follows the U.S. team's 2–0 win against Argentina in their tournament opener on Sunday.
Sentnor Strikes First 😤
USWNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/LrwvJMd8Ho
A mature performance
A mature performance
Above all else, the USWNT displayed professionalism and composure in their 1–0 victory over Canada. The standout characteristic of this win was how untroubled the home team appeared despite any pressure that a narrow margin against a rival might create. The outcome was secured without requiring additional goals.
For head coach Emma Hayes, this performance highlighted the USWNT's newly developed maturity. "They're maturing," Hayes shared with reporters following the match. "I believe it's beneficial to be in situations where you're leading 1–0. How do you handle this phase of the game when perhaps that second goal remains elusive?"
Following a 2025 season focused on experimentation and developing young talent, Hayes is now blending veteran experience with emerging players in 2026. She is rapidly identifying who is prepared to rise to the occasion and who requires additional development time.
#SentnorBelieves pic.twitter.com/vqJBDa8Ti0
Hayes implemented 10 lineup changes between the Argentina and Canada matches. Veteran defender Emily Sonnett and playmaker Rose Lavelle were the sole players over 30 to earn starting positions, while midfielder Lindsey Heaps, 31, entered as a substitute to provide additional experience. Speaking with Sports Illustrated recently, Lavelle discussed the leadership role she's embracing with her club NJ/NY Gotham FC, which was evident in Wednesday's display.
Witnessing young talents like 20-year-old right back Gisele Thompson win all eight of her ground battles, and match-winner Sentnor lead the team in shot attempts while playing the complete 90 minutes was significant. Both Thompson and Sentnor participated in U23 training sessions at the conclusion of 2025. This promising combination of emerging talent and established veterans successfully handled the challenge against the highest-ranked team at the 2026 SheBelieves Cup.
Did Emma Hayes showcase her best midfield?
Did Emma Hayes showcase her best midfield?
One could argue that Hayes deployed a more formidable starting eleven against Canada compared to Argentina. Certainly, Phallon Tullis-Joyce appears to be the preferred goalkeeper, Sonnett and Naomi Girma would form the ideal center-back partnership, and Emily Fox is established at fullback. Thompson, who completed 90 minutes in both contests, remains the player still proving herself defensively.
However, examining the midfield more closely raises the question: did Hayes field her strongest midfield combination against Canada?
Hayes selected Claire Hutton and Sam Coffey as the central midfield duo to provide stability and physicality, with Rose Lavelle positioned at the apex of the midfield triangle, given license to create opportunities and advance forward.
This arrangement left Heaps and Lily Yohannes on the substitutes' bench, though both entered the match in the 79th minute replacing Hutton and Lavelle. Heaps has seemed misplaced tactically for some time, and despite starring against Argentina with a goal and assist, it was evident the USWNT midfield operated with greater control in her absence.
Regarding Yohannes, who is only 18, it appears she will be gradually integrated into the team. She potentially possesses the finest passing range among all midfielders on the roster, with an exceptional ability to read the game and identify spaces that remains unparalleled. Nevertheless, the stability provided by Hutton and Coffey at the base may supersede Yohannes' technical abilities.
"Having the opportunity to bring on Lindsey [Heaps] and Lily Yohannes, truly exceptional players who excel with the ball, can settle the match, and can guide the team. This squad possesses incredible depth, and I'm simply grateful to be part of it," Sentnor shared with the TNT broadcast.
Naturally, there are tactical considerations specific to facing Canada that may not apply when playing Argentina. Different adversaries demand different formations. However, it's noteworthy that the USWNT's dominance was largely attributed to Hutton and Coffey's passing accuracy and positioning. The reliability of that partnership enabled Lavelle to serve as the primary creative force with six key passes and five precise crosses into the penalty area.
The USWNT generated only six scoring opportunities against Argentina, while creating 18 against Canada. It was apparent Hayes selected her midfield to dictate the pace against a formidable opponent, but perhaps it also represented the most creative central unit available.
Defensive streak continues
Defensive streak continues
Another shutout extends the USWNT's streak without conceding since their 3–1 victory over Portugal in October 2025—a clean sheet run spanning seven matches and 715 minutes. While some may critique the attacking play and chance conversion, the defensive performance of the USWNT has been nearly perfect over the past six months.
Girma's return to the starting lineup cannot be overlooked, but what may satisfy Hayes most is how effectively other players have performed during her absence. There's no shortage of quality options, even with left back Lilly Reale having to withdraw from camp due to a foot injury.
Should the USWNT maintain a clean sheet against Colombia on Saturday, it would mark the third occasion they've prevented all three opponents from scoring at the SheBelieves Cup and the first time achieving this feat since 2022. The USWNT also kept all three opponents scoreless in 2021.
Ohio roars for Emma Sears
Ohio roars for Emma Sears
One final observation: What an incredible reception Emma Sears received from the 18,545-strong audience in Columbus, Ohio. The 25-year-old, who attended high school in nearby Dublin, Ohio, before studying at Ohio State University, was introduced as a substitute in the 69th minute against Canada. Truly a memorable moment.
Thank you Columbus! 🫶
NJ you are next! 🎟️ https://t.co/LZyYbAob8v pic.twitter.com/IUfr5uFAnN
There's something deeply touching about witnessing a player represent the USWNT in her home region, and credit goes to the Columbus locals who made it abundantly clear they recognized Sears and her path through the Buckeye State.
The Racing Louisville forward isn't necessarily a widely recognized name across the United States, despite being the top-scoring American in the National Women's Soccer League in 2025 (with 10 goals). The thunderous applause that echoed throughout the stadium on Wednesday will remain unforgettable.
More Women's Soccer on Sports Illustrated
More Women's Soccer on Sports Illustrated
Theo Lloyd-Hughes is a writer for Sports Illustrated Soccer based in the Southern United States. Originally from England, he can often be found in a press box across the NWSL or at international matches featuring the USWNT and other Concacaf nations.