Canada vs. USA: Complete Preview, Start Time and Schedule

The US women's soccer team will take to the pitch against Canada for a two-match series of friendlies. This will be their first match since their heartbreaking defeat to Japan in the finals of the 2011 World Cup.

The US will be the home team for this match and they are riding an impressive 49-game unbeaten streak at home. They are an amazing 44-0-5 during that time.

The US has dominated Canada in this matchup. They are 41-3-4 against their neighbors to the north. 

This will be the second match of 2011 between the two. The US won the first one in Four Nations Tournament 2-1. Lauren Cheney and Lindsay Tarpley put the US on the board in that one.

Where: Livestrong  Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kansas

When: Saturday, September 17th at 7:00 PM Eastern Time

Watch: Fox Soccer

Player to Watch for Canada: Christine Sinclair

Sinclair is one of the world's premier strikers. She was second in Women’s Professional Soccer with nine scores for her Western New York Flash this past season. 

Player to Watch for USA: Alex Morgan

Alex Morgan has quickly become the spark plug for the US attack. She has been coming off of the bench, and when she does, goals are usually quick to follow.

Morgan's role for this team is going to grow with each match, and I expect her to be one of the focal points in this one.

Key Matchup: Hope Solo vs. Christine Sinclair

If Canada is going to have a chance in this one, Sinclair needs to have a brilliant match. She is going to have a tough time penetrating a gritty US back line, and when she does, she is going to have an even harder time getting it past Solo.

Solo has had a lot of peripheral activities going on since the World Cup. She is currently a participant on Dancing with the Stars. It will be interesting to see if any of these things distract her.

What They're Saying

 Christine Sinclair's greatness is not lost on her Flash teammates. They were quick to lavish her with praise after the Flash won the 2011 WPS title. This comes to us via ESPNGo.com:

"I can't praise Christine Sinclair enough. She's a phenomenal person. A quiet girl. Humble. And a fantastic footballer," Flash coach Aaran Lines said. "She's just a world class soccer player. What she has given us this year—she's given us everything."

"She's a class act. On the field. Off the field," Flash goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris said. "She's so professional. She carried this team this year."

Score Prediction

USA 2

Canada 0