USA-COLOMBIA EXPRESS:
Feb. 20 in Houston
USA 2 Colombia 0. Goals: Macario 33, Sentnor 60.
Att.: 15,043.

A new year, a new cycle, but no signs of slowing down for the U.S. women’s national team. If anything, the USA’s 2-0 win over Colombia showed the first signs of a long-overdue evolution in the American attack. Coach Emma Hayes had promised experimentation, and she delivered on that promise. But the new and returning faces appeared to have a coalescing effect on the USA’s development.

In the starting XI for the first time since June 2024, Catarina Macario scored her ninth international goal, on her 20th cap, in the 33rd minute. The exquisite team move showed off the passing prowess of teenager Lily Yohannes and the emergent Yazmeen Ryan. In the second half, young Ally Sentnor – on her first-ever start for the USWNT – put the game beyond doubt with an astonishing drilled strike from 27 yards out. 

Colombia has been a nation on the rise. Recent bouts with the USA have been combative and testing. Many came in expecting more of a fiery contest, but, on a cold night in Texas, both teams kept their cool. For Hayes and the Americans, that chilled nature was accompanied with confidence and composure. A refined team performance. Despite only generating 10 shots on the night, the USA felt firmly in control with 63% possession. Las Chicas Superpoderosas were kept firmly at arm’s length and rarely threatened. 

Catarina Macario (AFP Photo)

USA Player Ratings

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

GOALKEEPER

Without a single save to make it wasn’t a particularly memorable performance for Jane Campbell. The local has played her club soccer with the Houston Dash for nearly a decade. And so, making her return to the USA at her home stadium would’ve been a moment of pride. Posting a shutout will only have made that feeling even sweeter.

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