USA-COLOMBIA EXPRESS:
March 7 in Harrison, N.J.
USA 1 Colombia 0. Goals: A.Thompson 82.
Att.: 22,385

The U.S. women’s national team lifted its eighth SheBelieves Cup title with a 1-0 win over Colombia. However, Las Cafeteras did not make it easy.

The USA struggled to cope with Colombia’s physicality throughout the first half. Real Madrid’s Linda Caicedo and Washington Spirit’s Leicy Santos dictated the tempo and had little trouble breaking U.S. resistance in midfield. Emma Hayes’ side had few answers in response. Attackers Ally Sentnor, Rose Lavelle, and Trinity Rodman were particularly muted.

Four U.S. substitutes arrived in the 58th minute, and turned the game on its head. Jaedyn Shaw, Olivia Moultrie, Lindsey Heaps and Emma Sears upped the intensity and rhythm. The pressure finally paid off, as Alyssa Thompson lashed a sensational strike in the closing minutes. The 1-0 win extends the United States’ shutout streak to eight games.

Alyssa Thompson scores the gamewinner against Colombia. (Roger Wimmer/ISI Photos)

USA Player Ratings

(1=low; 5=middle; 10=high.)

GOALKEEPER

Colombia mustered just one shot on target, as Marcela Restrepo knocked a tame shot into the gloves of Phallon Tullis-Joyce in the 25th minute. Despite the lack of shots faced, Tullis-Joyce cut a calm figure in distribution out of the back.

Player (Club) caps/goals (age)

6
Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United, ENG) 6/0 (29)