SheBelieves Cup 2025: USA 2-0 Colombia – Welcome back Cat

The annual SheBelieves Cup kicked off with the USA hosting Colombia on a brisk night in Houston, Texas. The opener would give a glimpse into what the attack of the USA would look like without a first choice front three.

The USA lined up in a 4-2-3-1 with Catarina Macario leading the line and Jane Campbell in goal. Lilly Yohannes lined up in central midfield next to Sam Coffee as the youngster got a vote of confidence from Emma Hayes.

Colombia set out in a 4-3-3 as they sought to force the USA to react to their game plan.

GIFS OF SOME PRETTY NICE GOALS

Through 20 minutes Colombia was giving the USA the majority of the possession but when the visitors got the ball they ran quickly to the American goal to try to press their advantage. Press would be a key word through the first half as Colombia pressured the USA starting in the buildup from the defensive third.

The result was a scattered game where the USA would build some possession, be dispossessed and then have to chase Colombia down as they broke down the field.

The USA did get a couple solid looks on goal while Colombia was fast but never really put their speed to use in terms of creating chances. It would be the Americans who would breakthrough first as Catarina Macario finished off a terrific goal stated on a pass from Yohannes.

The teams went into the half with the USA ahead 1-0. As the second half marched on, the USA controlled much of the possession in search of a second goal. Colombia was still able to move down the field but lacked an effective way to create goal scoring opportunities.

It would be the Americans to score again as Ally Sentnor fired in a shot from outside the box that looped into the net to make things 2-0.

Not long after the goal Macario and Yohannes were taken off for Michelle Cooper and Lynn Biyendolo. The Stars and Stripes would continue to hold onto possession while Colombia tried to find a way back into the match. In the end, the USA would hold on to keep things at 2-0.

The win sees them level with Japan at three points apiece. Team Japan defeated Australia by a score of 4-0 in a resounding win in their first match in the cup. Next up the USA will take on Australia this Sunday as their quest for the SheBelieves Gold Medal continues.