USA Triumphs Over Colombia 2-0 in SheBelieves Cup, Japan Overpowers Australia with a 4-0 Victory
The US Women's National Team (USWNT) got off to a winning start at the SheBelieves Cup, beating Colombia 2-0 on Thursday in front of 15,043 fans at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. Catarina Macario and Ally Sentnor scored the goals for the reigning Olympic champions.
Macario finally broke her international goal drought after nearly three years, netting the opener in the 33rd minute after a well-worked team move. Her strike came following a cross from Yazmeen Ryan on the right wing and a crucial set-up from Lily Yohannes, who lobbed the ball over the Colombian defense.
The USWNT had a scare four minutes later when Colombia almost leveled the score, with No. 9 Mayra Ramirez blasting a shot high after weaving through the American defense. But Macario's goal remained the only shot on target in the first half.
In the second half, Sentnor doubled the lead with a spectacular long-range strike in the 60th minute. The Utah Royals forward cut inside from the left channel, took a few touches, and unleashed a powerful shot that swerved into the right side of the net.
The USWNT's dominance continued as they sealed a comfortable 2-0 victory, making it 14 wins without defeat under coach Emma Hayes, who took over in May 2023.
Earlier in the day, Japan thrash Australia 4-0 in the tournament opener, with Mina Tanaka scoring twice in the first half before setting up Maika Hamano for the team's third goal. Moeka Minami wrapped up the rout with a late header, as Japan took the early lead in the SheBelieves Cup standings.
Tom Sermanni, the Matildas head coach, described their performance as "un-Australian," with three of their goals coming from defensive errors. "It was a pretty huge wake-up call. We were outplayed in every department by Japan," he said.
The SheBelieves Cup continues this weekend at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, with Colombia facing Japan and the USWNT taking on Australia on Sunday. The tournament concludes on February 26 in San Diego, when the USWNT will face Japan, and Colombia will play Australia.
Enrichment Data
- Catarina Macario's goal was her first international hit in over three years
- Ally Sentnor's strike was her maiden international goal
- Emma Hayes, the USWNT coach, has yet to lose a game in her 16 matches in charge
- Japan's three goals against Australia came from defensive errors
- Tom Sermanni, the Matildas head coach, described Australia's performance as "un-Australian"
- The US Women's National Team's (USWNT) victory over Colombia was a delight for Catarina Macario, who scored her first international goal in over three years.
- Ally Sentnor also celebrated a significant milestone, as her goal against Colombia was her maiden international strike.
- Yazmeen Ryan's cross played a crucial role in Macario's goal against Colombia, highlighting her importance to the USWNT.
- The USWNT's triumph over Colombia was their 14th win without defeat under the guidance of coach Emma Hayes, who has yet to taste defeat in her 16 matches in charge.
- The SheBelieves Cup invitational saw the US Women's National Team (USWNT) stay atop the standings, following their 2-0 victory over Colombia.
- As for the Matildas, their performance against Japan in the SheBelieves Cup was far from impressive, with three of their goals coming from defensive errors.
- The Asian country's head coach, Tom Sermanni, acknowledged their defeat against Japan, describing it as "un-Australian," as they were outplayed in every department.
