USA women fall to Canada 3-2 in epic matchup

This morning marked an excellent game featuring one of the great hockey rivalries in recent hockey history.

Yes, it was women's hockey and yes, that statement is 100% serious. If you haven't had a chance to watch a USA/Canada game, you are seriously missing out.

The first period was entertaining, fast and had heavy hits left and right. The teams went into the locker room with the score 0-0, but not for a lack of trying. USA goaltender Jessi Vetter and Canadian goaltender Charline Labonte were phenomenal.

Team USA scored late in the second period, but Team Canada came back from the 2^nd intermission determined to win this game. They scored at the beginning of the 3^rd, and shortly after that scored a goal that shouldn't have counted due to one official waiving it a no goal on the ice AND blowing the whistle before it crossed the goal line. The play was reviewed, and stood as a goal regardless.

Meghan Afosta (who is celebrating her birthday today) scored her second goal of the game to give the Canadians the 3-1 lead with about 5 minutes left in the game.

The USA women pulled Vetter with about 2 minutes left to try and tie the game.  Anne Schleper scored to bring Team USA within one, but the final score was USA 2, Canada 3.

There were a ton of official mess ups in this game, from the no goal counting to a ref getting tangled in the play that led to Canadian's game winning goal, to Canada have too many players on the ice at least 3 (some have stated 4) times.

The good news is that this is the likely Gold Medal match, and there is enough time for the team to go back and re-watch tapes and make the adjustments needed to win.