Team USA vs. Canada: 3 Things to Take Away from Exhibition Match

It was obvious that Team USA hasn't played together since the conclusion of the World Cup. Their timing was off and they struggled to employ Pia Sundhage's new attacking formation.

The game ended in a 1-1 draw with the Team USA's only point coming from a penalty kick by Abby Wambach in the first half.

Wambach is Team USA's current leading goal scorer, but she was unable to get into another strong scoring opportunity.

Here are three things that should be taken away from this match:

1. USA Has a Long Way To Go

It may be too late for Pia Sundhage to unveil a new strategy. Team USA has less than a year before the 2012 Olympics began in London, England and the last thing they need is to take a step back after gaining so much momentum with their World Cup Finals appearance.

Practices and overall commitment must hit overdrive to get the team up to speed.

2. Hope Solo Still On Track

"Dancing With The Stars" doesn't seem to have distracted her as she was solid in goal. The only Canadian goal was scored in a situation that was virtually unavoidable for Solo—a positioning error by Captain Christie Rampone and Rachel Buehler.

Come July of 2012, Solo seems as though she'll be ready.

3. American Soccer is Serious About Marketing This Team

A celebration series to say thank you to the American soccer fans for backing this team was a great gesture and marketing idea. The crowd and excitement level was pretty good.

Compound that with the growing celebrity of the team's highest profile player, Hope Solo, and this team could reach a high level of popularity.

They will need more than a second place finish in the Olympics to reach the level of the squad led by Mia Hamm and Brandi Chestain, but Saturday was a small step in that direction.