Naeher heroics crucial in dramatic USWNT victory - Kilgore - ESPN

United States interim coach Twila Kilgore celebrated a «huge moment» from goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher after a dramatic penalty-shootout victory over Canada in the Concacaf W Gold Cup semifinals at a waterlogged Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego on Wednesday.

«Just stepping up in a huge moment to face a penalty at the end of the game like that and have to turn around and face a penalty shootout. It's not easy to make three saves… and contribute to the goal tally,» Kilgore said.

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Naeher emerged as a hero in the 3-1 penalty shootout that saw her make three saves and score the second spot kick. However, it came after she committed a penalty in the final moments of extra time that provided a late equalizer from Canada's Adriana Leon to make it 2-2.

«That just speaks volumes about her mentality,» Kilgore added.

Wednesday's semifinal clash was tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes following goals from teenage USWNT forward Jaedyn Shaw and Canada forward Jordyn Huitema. An extra-time goal from Sophia Smith on 99 minutes put the USWNT ahead, until Leon's penalty levelled the scores and forced a shootout, culminating in a U.S. victory.

The USWNT advance to Sunday's inaugural tournament's championship match where it faces Brazil at Snapdragon Stadium, although both sides will be hoping for a better playing surface after Wednesday's rain-soaked field caused constant frustrations.

«It's obvious that the game was unplayable,» Canada coach Bev Priestman said post-match. «We put in a lot of work in a game plan and within minute one, it's thrown out the window.»

On whether the result was unjust, Priestman said the waterlogged pitch impacted their opponents as well.

«I'm not going to make excuses as