On Friday evening, the United States Women’s National Team traveled to Orlando, Florida, to play a friendly match against the visiting Columbia team for the second time in a week. These two groups met Monday, January 18th, where the United States took home an easy victory in their first competition of the year at 4-0. Coming back even stronger, on January 22nd, they swept up their second win competition and with a score of 6-0.
The overall team stats at the end of the match were outstanding for the United States. Columbia was no match for the red, white, and blue’s mentality and strength as the American team was able to pick off 33 shots (12 on target) as opposed to Columbia’s 2 (neither were shot on net). It didn’t stop there, however. This was a full 90-minute domination of playing on home soil, and the USWNT connected 464 passes (80% accuracy), having 67% possession the whole game without conceding a goal the entire match.
Five different players were able to find the back of the net to make for an easy 3 point win. Multiple players also scored for the very first time while representing their country. These players were Catarina Macario (scored in the 3rd minute) and Margaret Purce (earned a goal in the 86th minute). This was also Macario’s first start for the United States Women’s National Team, which made it extra special for her. Others that scored were Megan Rapinoe (2 goals, 35th and 44th minute), Lynn Williams (60th minute), and substitute Lindsey Horan (73rd minute).
Of course, it wouldn’t be an athletic event without some sort of injury. Center Midfielder Sam Mewis went in for a tackle in the second half against a Columbian defender that left her limping off the field with an injured ankle. After easing her way to the bench, her sister Kristie Mewis replaced her for the rest of the match. Sam has been a developing player and is becoming a key attacking player for the United States. In their first match against Columbia, she earned herself a hattrick and became the 27th USWNT player to do so. Right now, it is unclear if S. Mewis will return for her team’s next competition.
Up Next
The United States will take on the Canadians in the first round of group stage play for the “She Believes Cup”; on February 18th at Exploria Stadium. Kickoff will start at 7:00 ET; it is not clear what channel(s) will be broadcasting the match.
Columbia does not currently have any more friendly matches set up for the near future; it is unclear when they will play again.
