CHICAGO – The U.S. Women’s National Team defeated Canada 2-0 to win the 2018 CONCACAF Women’s Championship title for the eighth time.

USA began the tournament by defeating Mexico 6-0 in the first match of Group A play. Three Red Stars represented their country during the match. Julie Ertz and Alyssa Naeher received their first minutes in a World Cup Qualifying tournament for the U.S. WNT and Christina Murillo entered the match in the 78th minute for Mexico. To start the second half, Ertz notched her first of two goals during the tournament.

Next up, the U.S. WNT continued to shutout teams by defeating Panama 5-0. Making her first World Cup Qualifying appearance, Casey Short started the second match along with Red Stars teammates Morgan Brian and Ertz. Short assisted Carli Lloyd’s second goal of the night.

Julie Ertz was awarded the tournament’s MVP Award

The U.S. finished the group stage after defeating Trinidad & Tobago 7-0 to put them on top of Group A.

In her first two games, Naeher earned a +13 goal difference along with two shutouts.

In the semifinals the U.S. shutout Group B runner-up Jamaica 6-0, earning a spot in the championship game and the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Ertz added the third goal in a 5-goal first half for the WNT. Brian saw action in the second half, replacing Ertz in the midfield.

In the Championship game, the Americans defeated Canada 2-0. Naeher and Ertz got the starts, while Short found the field in second-half stoppage time for Crystal Dunn.

Following the victory, Ertz earned the MVP honors with the Golden Ball award while also being named to the All-Star Team. Naeher did not concede a goal the entire qualifying campaign, earning four shutouts and accumulating a +21 goal difference.