USWNT Prevails in Chaotic SheBelieves Cup Win

Goalkeeper Claudia Dickey shines as team shows composure amid physical play

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a turbulent SheBelieves Cup match filled with aggressive fouls and mounting tension, the USWNT secured a hard-fought victory in Nashville, Tennessee. While Jaedyn Shaw and Lindsey Heaps contributed crucial goals, it was the team's ability to remain composed in a chaotic environment that ultimately made the difference.

Why it matters

The USWNT's performance showcased the depth of leadership and mental toughness within the squad, as experienced players like Heaps and reliable figures such as Dickey helped the team navigate a physically contentious match. This victory serves as a reminder that talent matched with composure is essential for the team's success moving forward.

The details

The opening 45 minutes were relatively controlled, with USWNT captain Lindsey Heaps putting the team ahead early. However, the second half escalated the tension, with physicality intensifying, including a blatant hair pull on Jaedyn Shaw, persistent fouling, and confrontations between players. Despite the chaos, Heaps was a calming presence on the field, organizing the midfield and helping to manage the emotions of her teammates. Goalkeeper Claudia Dickey also delivered an impressive performance, responding effectively to heavy shot volume, challenging plays, and high-pressure situations to help secure a clean sheet.

  • The match took place on March 2, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.
  • Lindsey Heaps scored early in the first half to put the USWNT ahead.

The players

Claudia Dickey

The USWNT goalkeeper who delivered an impressive performance, responding effectively to heavy shot volume and high-pressure situations to help secure a clean sheet.

Lindsey Heaps

The USWNT captain who scored a goal and demonstrated exceptional leadership, serving as the emotional anchor for the team and keeping them focused during a difficult match.

Jaedyn Shaw

The USWNT player who scored a vital goal and displayed emotional discipline by keeping her composure after enduring a harsh hair pull from an Argentina player.

Solana Pereyra

The Argentina goalkeeper who struggled to command the penalty area, especially on set-piece situations, and allowed Jaedyn Shaw's goal to slip through her hands.

Evelyn Dominguez

The Argentina player who committed the harsh hair pull on Jaedyn Shaw during the match.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think Lindsey led the team really well in terms of staying level-headed and just believing in the game plan and in each other.”

— Claudia Dickey, USWNT Goalkeeper

“I think it was a little more stressful than we anticipated. I think obviously we knew that they're a good team, but I think how physical they were kind of surprised us, especially at times.”

— Claudia Dickey, USWNT Goalkeeper

“That was a first of my career. And I wasn't messing with it. But I think for me, like something that I am working on is just like my emotional control and games. So I think coming down from that I needed to, you know, bounce back quickly.”

— Jaedyn Shaw

“All I said to them is, you know, I want to play football. I want us to go out and win these games and fight for them. We want to play against the best teams, but I don't want to play in that type of way.”

— Lindsey Heaps, USWNT Captain

What’s next

The USWNT will continue their SheBelieves Cup campaign, facing off against Italy on March 5th and Brazil on March 8th.

The takeaway

The USWNT's ability to maintain composure and discipline in the face of a physically aggressive opponent showcased the depth of leadership and mental toughness within the squad. This victory serves as a testament to the team's resilience and highlights the importance of blending technical skill with emotional control for long-term success.