That match will now be a repeat of last year's World Cup final in which Japan triumphed on penalties following a 2-2 draw at the end of 120 minutes.
Coach Pia Sundhage said in a post match conference: "It says everything about this team.
"This team refuses to lose and always finds a way to win. They have an extra gear.
"This US team since '91, and which I've been lucky to coach for the last five years, has always been like that. It's unique, wonderful."
"I first need a sleep and to enjoy the moment because this is unique. Right now I'm not even thinking about the final."
Another shoot-out was on the cards at Old Trafford until, in the third minute of injury time at the end of extra time, Alex Morgan sent a looping 10-yard header over goalkeeper Erin McLeod to break Canadian hearts.
The Canadians though felt undone by the officials, and coach Herdman said: "It felt like it was the US and the referee against us.
"It is what it is. Referees make decisions. One penalty was given for a handball just a few yards away and one wasn't for something similar for us.
"There's a bronze medal at stake now [in the third-place play-off against France]. They want to see the Canadian flag raised.
"Of course they're devastated because they wanted to fight for the gold medal so you have to give them time to mourn this.
"I just hope we get a bit of luck in that game because we didn't in this game, but their level of connectivity will push them through to that medal."
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