On a pitch filled with puddles and ponytails, the U.S. women’s national team came out with a dramatic victory in penalty kicks over Canada and moved into the Women’s Gold Cup final versus Brazil, which will be Sunday evening at Snapdragon Stadium.

The soggy field conditions were slightly noticeable during the first semifinal between El Tri femenil and Brazil but became a problem at the kickoff of the second semifinal at about 7:15 p.m.

“In the very beginning, I was surprised that the game even continued because it was just puddles everywhere,” said forward Alex Morgan. “It came down to Alyssa Naeher being an absolute stud and a hero. We’re very happy to be moving on to the final.”

The first goal came courtesy of forward Jaedyn Shaw (above) who took advantage of a defensive mistake (caused by a puddle) and pushed the ball by goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan, her San Diego Wave teammate. Canada tied the game in the 82nd minute off a header from Jordyn Huitema who came in as a substitute and forced the match to go another 30 minutes of extra time.

The U.S. took the lead again in the 99th minute when forward Sophia Smith got by two defenders and right-footed a shot from just inside the box that found the back of the net.

With seconds left of extra time, Canada dispossessed Smith of the ball near midfield and sent a hail Mary into the box that connected with Vanessa Gilles’ head simultaneously with Naeher’s hands after she charged off her line to punch the ball out. After a review, a penalty kick was called and the ensuing conversion was successful by forward Adriana Leon in the 127th minute.

The U.S. goalkeeper, who earned her 100th cap in the 3-0 quarterfinal victory over Colombia, redeemed herself in the penalty kick shootout by stopping three of the four shots she faced along with scoring a penalty kick.

Foto de David Frerker