Macario, USWNT defeat Colombia in 6-0 thriller
Following a decisive victory over Colombia on Monday, the USWNT defeated the Colombians 6-0 tonight at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The USWNT, unrelenting as ever, pressured the Colombian side from kickoff. In the 3rd minute, Brazilian-born Catarina Macario opened her account for the team in her first ever start, slamming the ball inside the top netting off a cross from defender Ali Krieger. Similarly to Monday night’s match, the American defenders were spearheading the attack from the flanks. Krieger, a household name playing in her home stadium, was consistently whipping in threatening crosses, pushing forward on the right side.
The momentum was in the USWNT’s favor in the 35th minute when OL Reign’s Megan Rapinoe’s shot deflected off a Colombian player, past Sepulveda into the Colombian goal. Rapinoe, one of the stars of the 2019 Women’s World Cup played the role of provider and goal scorer, sending in countless threatening services of her own. Despite the onslaught of pressure from the Americans, the Colombians continued to press on. In the 36th minute, a powerful volley from Rose Lavelle was blocked on the goal line by Colombian defender Nancy Viviana Acosta Núñez, denying the former Wisconsin Badger a goal. Lavelle, currently playing at Manchester City alongside teammates Abby Dahlkemper and Sam Mewis, was strong defensively, making relentless, crunching tackles in true USWNT fashion. In the 44th minute, Rapinoe stepped up to the spot following a foul on Sam Mewis. Sepulveda guessed correctly, but Rapinoe’s precision and power resulted in the third USWNT goal of the night, all before the second half began.
Heading into the second 45, the team maintained their trademark high level of intensity. In the 60th minute, Lynn Williams’ header added another goal, putting the Americans ahead by 4. Despite Williams’ inconsistency in the first half, the Carolina Connection between herself and Mewis almost resulted in a 5th goal just moments later. Williams and Mewis, North Carolina Courage teammates have been playing together since 2015. Much to the chagrin of the Colombians, the substitutions of Lindsey Horan, Crystal Dunn, and Carli Lloyd in the 63rd minute continued to fuel the USWNT’s fire. To supplement the attack, Midge Purce and Kristie Mewis also came on, immediately causing trouble in the attacking third. Moments later, Lindsey Horan calmly volleyed the ball into the net off of a low, driven Crystal Dunn corner kick. In the 79th minute, Emily Fox subbed on for Krieger. Fox was the first overall pick of the 2021 NWSL draft, selected by Racing Louisville FC who are set to begin play this season. Carli Lloyd who is the oldest member of the team at age 38, proved once again that age is just a number. Her fitness and skill resulted in multiple shots on goal and an assist to NWSL teammate Midge Purce in the 86th minute, making the final score 6-0.
The Americans will return to action on Thursday, February 18th against fourteen-time Canada Soccer Player of the Year Christine Sinclair and the Canadian National team to kick off the 5th annual She Believes Cup in Orlando, Florida.
The entirety of the She Believes Cup schedule can be accessed at the link below: