USWNT Tops Colombia 2-0 to Open SheBelieves Cup
Early Goal from Catarina Macario and Late Strike from Ally Sentnor Seal the Win
The U.S. women’s national team began the SheBelieves Cup with a 2-0 win against Colombia in Houston. A goal in each half, one from Catarina Macario and the second from Ally Sentnor, sealed the result.
Lineup Changes Bring Fresh Faces to the Starting XI
Head coach Emma Hayes brought in a fresh 23-player squad, and the starting eleven reflected that. Besides Macario, Lindsey Horan, Emily Fox, Sam Coffey, and Emily Sonnett were the most recognizable members who started.
Macario Opens the Scoring with a Well-Placed Finishing Move
The U.S. opened the scoring in the 33rd minute via Macario. The 25-year-old forward, who started as the No. 9, logged her first U.S. goal since 2022 when rising midfielder Lily Yohannes gave a perfect lobbed through pass to the right flank, where Yazmeen Ryan cut it back to the incoming Macario. If it would be anyone who opened the scoring, Macario would’ve been a prudent bet. She has been directly involved in nine goals (six goals, three assists) in her last six starts for the nation dating back to Feb. 2022, via OptaJack.
Sentnor Scores Her First International Goal with a Stunning Late Strike
The second goal came in the 60th minute, a miraculous long-range effort from rising forward Ally Sentnor. The 21-year-old Utah Royals winger scored her first country goal by skating past a few defenders before somehow netting from distance. It was essentially smooth sailing from that point on, as Jaedyn Shaw, Korbin Albert, Michelle Cooper, Giselle Thompson, and Lynn Biyendolo all got minutes off the bench.
Colombia Struggles to Find Their Footing
Colombia predictably defended more often but managed to get off two shots, though both were off target. The U.S. held the clear possession advantage (65-35) but only had one shot on target with five total taken.
USWNT Looks to Build Momentum for the Rest of the Tournament
The U.S. will next play Australia on Sunday in Glendale, Arizona. Australia will be coming off a 4-0 loss to Japan, who the U.S. will meet last in the three-game tournament. The USWNT is also seeking a six-peat in the competition, but will enter the second matchday in second place due to Japan’s hot start.
Five Things to Know About Emily Fox of the USWNT and Arsenal WFC
1. Emily Fox is a U.S. national team and Arsenal Women FC defender.
2. She has been a key player for the U.S. women’s national team, earning 24 caps and scoring one goal.
3. Fox has also played for Boston Breakers and North Carolina Courage in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
4. She has been involved in several youth national teams, including the U-20 and U-17 teams.
5. Fox is known for her versatility, having played in multiple positions, including center back and right back.
FAQs
Q: What is the SheBelieves Cup?
A: The SheBelieves Cup is an annual international women’s football tournament featuring four national teams: the United States, Japan, England, and Australia.
Q: Who is the head coach of the USWNT?
A: The head coach of the USWNT is Vlatko Andonovski.
Q: What is the next match for the USWNT?
A: The USWNT will play Australia on Sunday in Glendale, Arizona.
