Canadian women step up in class in taking on top-ranked U.S. in Washington, D.C

After struggling to corral No. 43 Costa Rica before pouring in four late goals in a 4-1 win, Canada steps up in class Wednesday when it faces the top-ranked U.S. in Washington, D.C.

Eighth-ranked Canada is 4-53-9 all-time against the U.S. in a rivalry that dates back to 1986 when the Canadian women's program was established. The Canadians have not won on American soil since Nov. 11, 2000.

"It's a good test for us. But it's one I think we should be looking forward to," Canada coach Casey Stoney, a former England captain, told a news conference Tuesday. "There'll be no fear in our dressing room. We're going to go out there and have a go."

In their most recent meeting, last April at the SheBelieves Cup in Columbus, Ohio, the two teams played to a 2-2 draw before the U.S. won a penalty shootout 5-4. The Americans also won by penalty shootout in the game before that, the CONCACAF W Gold Cup semifinal in March 2024.

Canada's last win over the U.S. was a 1-0 decision in the Tokyo Olympic semifinal in August 2021. That was the Americans' first loss to their northern neighbours since March 2001, in the group stage of the Algarve Cup.

Friday's win over Costa Rica improved Stoney's record at the helm to 6-1-1 with the lone loss a 1-0 setback April 8 at the hands of No. 32 Argentina in Langford, B.C. — "a game we should never lose," said Stoney.

Stoney says Wednesday's contest should show "what grit and determination and resilience and belief we've got."

"We're playing against the world No. 1. We know the rivalry is there. It's been there for many years. And we want to have a go. I think we're coming here to see what we're made of. Also for me to analyze how much work there is to do, the areas we need to improve and our key