The USA beat Canada on penalties to win the SheBelieves Cup as Sophia Smith’s brace was canceled out by Adriana Leon – and Korbin Albert is booed AGAIN during her substitute appearance.
- Sophia Smith and Adriana Leon both score twice for their countries
- Leon’s two goals could have been overturned by VAR if it was during an event
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
The United States women’s national team survived two questionable goals from the Canadians to win the SheBelieves Cup in a penalty shootout Tuesday night.
The match was tied at 2 at the end of regulation time after a double from American striker Sophia Smith and Canadian Adriana Leon.
Both Canadian goals would have been controlled by VAR in a larger tournament, as the SheBelieves Cup relied solely on the referee’s decisions.
Controversial American star Korbin Albert was substituted in the 75th minute and received a mixed reaction from the crowd in Columbus.
The United States trailed 1-0 at halftime after Leon scored into an empty net in the 40th minute.
Sophia Smith scored twice for the United States to help the team defeat Canada in PK
Crystal Dunn was in disbelief at being whistled for a foul, giving Canada a late penalty
Sophia Smith tied the game in the 50th minute and gave the Americans a momentary lead in the 68th minute.
Leon’s first goal may have been called for a Canadian foul, as one of her teammates collided with American goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, but no infraction was called.
Leon’s equalizing goal in the 86th minute came after Crystal Dunn pushed her inside the penalty area, with several USWNTs in disbelief the nudge was enough to award Canada a spot kick to goal.
In real time, giving a foul seemed harsh, especially with no one to check the referee’s decision.
The match required almost no penalties, as Canada’s Kadeisha Buchanan hit the crossbar with a header from a corner kick in the 90th minute.
Albert appeared as a second-half substitute for the United States against Canada on Tuesday.
Naeher saved three penalties in the seven-round shootout, with Emily Fox scoring the trophy-winning kick.
A few days ago, Albert shared a new TikTok post from a Christian worship space discussing how being gay and “feeling transgender” is wrong.
Albert later apologized for this message.
“I want to sincerely apologize for my actions on social media,” Albert said. “Liking and sharing offensive, insensitive and hurtful posts was immature and disrespectful, which was never my intention.”
“I am truly disappointed in myself and I am deeply sorry for the hurt I have caused to my teammates, other players, fans, friends and everyone who was offended,” Albert continued.
