USWNT posts clean sheet in SheBelieves Cup opening win over Colombia
(image via NWSL/X)
The United States Women’s National Team began their SheBelieves Cup play Thursday night in Houston against Colombia. Houston Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell and forward Yazmeen Ryan got the start for the United States at their home, Shell Energy Stadium. They became the first set of Dash teammates to start for the USWNT in Houston since Carli Lloyd and Morgan Gautrat did it in February of 2016.
The United States were on the front foot early in a game that saw both teams up and down the field. A corner from the left side, in the 18th minute, found its way to the far post. Jenna Nighswonger met it in the air and volleyed it off the cross bar. Moments later Ryan got free at the top of the box but fired over.
The United States found the breakthrough in the 33rd minute. 17-year-old Lily Yohannes played a perfectly weighted ball over the top to get the goal started. Ryan got to it on the endline and fizzed a pass right in front of goal. Catarina Macario was there to smash the ball in and open the scoring. It was the Chelsea forward’s first goal for the USWNT since 2022 after battling back from multiple long-term injuries.-
Colombia nearly answered back in the 37th minute. Mayra Ramirez danced through the box in front of goal but she couldn’t hit the target with her shot. The U.S. took the 1-0 lead to the locker room at half time.
The United States doubled the lead in the 60th minute through youngster Ally Sentnor. The Utah Royals attacker received the ball and went by two defenders. She unleashed a rocket past Colombia goalkeeper Katherine Tapia.
Sentnor had a couple of chances to bag a brace, just missing the goal in the 62nd minute. The 21-year-old impressed, spear-heading the United States attack for most of the night.
The U.S. defense helpd strong for the rest of the game to post a clean sheet. A clean sheet for Campbell and an assist for Ryan was a great showing for the Dash contingent. At the final whistle the United States picked up three points with a 2-0 win.
The SheBelieves Cup continues on Sunday for both teams. The United States will take on Australia and Colombia will play Japan. Both games will take place in Glendale, Arizona.
