Canada goalkeeper Erin McLeod (1) makes a save as United States forward Sydney Leroux, right, and Kadeisha Buchanan (14) close in during the first half of a soccer game on Friday, Jan. 31, 2014, in Frisco, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
January 31, 2014 - 8:24 PM
FRISCO, Texas - Sydney Leroux scored in the 77th minute and the U.S. women's soccer team earned a 1-0 victory Friday night.
The Americans extended their home unbeaten streak to 78 games (67-0-10). Canada has not defeated the U.S. since 2001.
Leroux, a Canadian-born U.S. citizen, broke the deadlock with a left-footed finish 3 yards out after a Becky Sauerbrunn pass got through two defenders and goalkeeper Erin McLeod inside the 6-yard box.
Hope Solo preserved the U.S. win in the 87th minute with a diving save of a Jonelle Filigno shot.
The U.S., ranked No. 1 in the world, also remains undefeated under second-year coach Tom Sermanni (14-0-3), and is a perfect 11-0 in Texas.
The 20,862 fans at FC Dallas' home stadium were the largest crowd since 2003.
The Americans outshot Canada 15-7, forcing McLeod to make four saves — but took more than 70 minutes to score against the seventh-ranked Canadians for the second straight meeting.
News from © The Associated Press, 2014