One of the weaker PK's I recall seeing (especially with VAR). From my vantage point, the Canadian player came in from behind (with some contact) and then tripped herself over the American player while going away from the goal without possession. There was contact but given how the contact occurred, where it occurred, intent, etc I am very disappointed that a PK was awarded.
And I did go and find the 2012 match. I assume you are referring to the PK that the US was given late to tie the match. The call against the goalie on the free kick that set up the PK was absolutely awful (like I expect better at a local youth game awful). As for the handball/PK, the rules on handballs constantly change. It seems that the ball hit at least two players hands and the 2nd player did seem to stop the shot with the arms slightly extended. Definitely a tough call as well.
This US team was incredibly poor (probably the worst I recall seeing in a tournament like this). Props to Canada for winning the game but to win like that seems pretty hollow and weak. It reminds me of England's weak PK in the Euro's. Karma like that will catch up with a team eventually.