The last day of the SheBelieves Cup was an exciting one. After Canada took Argentina to penalties (3-2), things shifted to the honoring of U.S. Women’s National Team legend Tobin Heath before the Americans battled a formidable Colombian side. Chelsea forward Alyssa Thompson scored the lone goal for the U.S., who were put to the test in their final match of the tournament.
The USWNT came out with the following lineup: Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Trinity Rodman, Naomi Girma (c), Avery Patterson, Lily Yohannes, Ally Sentnor, Emily Sonnett, Rose Lavelle, Sam Coffey, Alyssa Thompson, Emily Fox.
Colombia came out with the following lineup: Katherine Tapia, Ana María Guzmán, Daniela Arias, Jorelyn Carabalí, Manuela Vanegas, Daniela Montoya (c), Marcela Restrepo, Leicy Santos, Manuela Pavi, Linda Caicedo, Maithe López.
Tonight’s match was a good test for the United States, as Colombia has strengthened its roster tremendously since the 2023 Women’s World Cup. That was the tournament that exposed the world to teenage phenom Linda Caicedo. The Real Madrid midfielder now leads a host of young talent on the squad, including Valerin Loboa (Portland Thorns), Jorelyn Carablí (Boston Legacy), Leicy Santos (Washington Spirit), Maithe López (Angel City FC), and Ana Guzmán (Palmeiras). Las Cafeteras are missing star forward Mayra Ramirez (Chelsea FC), who is still out with an injury.
Colombia showed a lot of grit and had several chances in the first half. In the 16th minute, Leicy Santos took a free kick in the USA’s half. She whipped a ball into the box in front of goal, where it bounced off a teammate and to the feet of Manuela Vanegas. She tried to twist her body for an audacious cross-body volley, but her effort skimmed over the crossbar.
In the 30th minute, Vanegas and Santos linked up again to create a threatening chance on goal. Vanegas passed the ball to Santos, then sprinted to catch up to her, expecting a one-two play. Instead, Santos made a cheeky flick (backpass) to a pacing Maithe López, who was just yards from goal. After taking too many steps, Emily Sonnett arrived in time to deflect the ball, allowing it to roll easily to goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
In the second half, USWNT manager Emma Hayes made a host of substitutions, including Jaedyn Shaw, Olivia Moultrie, and Lindsey Heaps. The trio made an immediate impact, combining for an attacking play that resulted in an effective shot on goal. Moultrie started the play in their attacking third, distributing the ball around the half until it went to Jaedyn Shaw. Shaw made a one-timed chip over two defenders to get to Lindsey Heaps, whose diving header tested Katherine Tapia.
But it was Alyssa Thompson who scored the game-winning goal in the 82′ minute. Jaedyn Shaw penetrated the 18, but cut back and laid the ball off to Thompson at the top of the box. After gaining possession, she stopped, turned, and fired a curling effort that beat Tapia in the top right corner.
The USWNT will enjoy the three-straight wins and the SheBelieves Cup victory before returning to their respective clubs, with the majority preparing to kick off the NWSL season next weekend. The U.S. has a trio of friendlies set up for April against Japan, starting on the 11th and ending on the 17th.
-Jon Jones
Photo: Anthony Reaves