U.S. women defeat Canada

Sydney Leroux scored in the 77th minute, and the U.S. women’s soccer team beat Canada 1-0 on 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 pass from FC Kansas City’s Becky Sauerbrunn 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 shot by Jonelle Filigno.

The Americans outshot Canada 15-7, forcing McLeod to make four saves. But it took more than 70 minutes to score against the seventh-ranked Canadians for the second straight meeting.

With the win, the U.S., ranked No. 1 in the world, remained undefeated under second-year coach Tom Sermanni (14-0-3).

The win also marked a strong start to a World Cup qualifying year for the Americans. CONCACAF qualifying is at the end of the year, and the U.S. should be favored in the region.

Canada, the host for the 2015 World Cup, is automatically qualified.

This story was originally published January 31, 2014 at 11:21 PM with the headline "U.S. women defeat Canada."