Courtesy CC Athletics

GWANGJU, South Korea – July 5, 2015 – In a match that was closer than the score indicates, the United States dropped a 2-0 decision to Canada in its final Pool D game on Monday at Boseong Public Stadium.

Heather Marie Lund snapped the scoreless deadlock in the 65th minute by finishing a two-on-one. She tacked on an insurance goal on a header off a cross from the left side with a little less than seven minutes remaining in regulation time.  

Despite having a 51-49 advantage in possession time and an 8-7 edge in total shots, Team USA was unable to crack the Canadian defense that posted its third consecutive clean sheet.

“It was the best game we have played from a soccer standpoint, in terms of playing the game the right way,” assistant coach Robin Grossman said. “Unfortunately, we had a few calls go against us that changed the game, but the bottom line is that we need to do a better job of finishing our chances.

“Overall, we are excited about what we can do moving forward. We still have the opportunity to pick up more wins wearing the USA jersey. We have all the confidence in the world that our team will respond with a great performance.”

After surviving the opening 15 minutes, the United States generated several scoring opportunities in the first half when it earned eight of its nine corner kicks.

The USA’s Jennifer Stoot nearly became the first opponent to score on the Canadians, but goalkeeper Marie-Joel Vandal made an outstanding save on a shot from inside the box in the 20th minute.

Kaeli Vandersluis put a shot over the bar from 18 yards out with a little less than 12 minutes remaining in the first half, and the United States had a goal disallowed five minutes later.

Sarah Schweiss came within inches of putting the United States ahead in the 51st minute, and nearly scored with five minutes to go on a header that sailed to the right. 

Team USA had a final scoring chance in the 85th minute, but Anna Gregg’s blast from the top of the box was stopped by Vandal.

USA goalkeeper Rowan Frederiksen came up big in the 32nd minute when she denied Joelle Gosselin on a breakaway.

Team USA finished third in Pool D with a 1-2-0 record and will face Ireland its next game on Wednesday, July 8, at 11 a.m. local time, Tuesday, July 7, at 8 p.m. MT.