The first semi-final of the 2013 Women’s Pan American Cup was between USA and Canada. In the early proceedings, the United States quickly went on attack and earned the first penalty corner of the match in the first minute. Kaitlyn Williams, Canada’s keeper, block the shot, but the United States regained possession. The United States continued to control possession, but Canada’s defense prevented the United States from having many good scoring opportunities.
In the 19th minute, Williams saved a United States shot to keep the match scoreless. Throughout the rest of the first half, the United States continued to dominate possession, Canada continued to play very strong defense keeping the United States from entering their attacking circle. Canada’s best chance game in the 30th minute when a shot was blasted and went just wide of the goal cage. With both teams playing tough defensively, the match remained USA 0-0 CAN at halftime.
The second half of the match started like the first half, with the United States earning a penalty corner in the first minute of the match. Canada’s defense blocked up the play, and soon after, the United States earned another penalty corner. Williams blocked the shot, but Canada struggled in keeping possession and sustaining attacks.
In the 42nd minute, the United States earned another penalty corner and Katie Reinprecht’s goal gave the United States the 1-0 lead over Canada. The United States kept up their attacking pressure and Kathleen Sharkey’s penalty corner goal gave her team a two goal lead in the 49th minute. The second half continued to be like the first with the United States attacking and Canada preventing them from having many scoring opportunities with sound defence.
The United States capitalized off a yellow card to Canada’s Sara McManus when Shannon Taylor beat a lot of defense for the score to make it United States 3, 0 Canada. With few minutes remaining in the match, the United States was awarded a penalty corner and Rachel Dawson’s shot went in right past a jumping Williams. With Canada unable to capitalize off possession in the final minute, the United States beat Canada in the semifinal 4, 0; and will advance to the final.
Canada now plays for the bronze medal vs. Chile September 28 at 2:30pm.