USWNT Opens SheBelieves Cup with 2-0 Win Over Colombia

Ally Sentnor’s stunning long-range goal helped the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) secure a 2-0 victory over Colombia as they kicked off their SheBelieves Cup campaign on Thursday.

The match’s first goal came in the 33rd minute when Catarina Macario capped off a fluid team move. Seventeen-year-old Lily Yohannes, making her first start for the USWNT, delivered a lofted pass to Yazmeen Ryan, whose pinpoint cross set up Macario to finish, marking her first international goal in nearly three years after recovering from multiple knee injuries.

“I’m just happy to be playing again,” Macario told the Associated Press. “Scoring is a bonus, but the real joy is being back on the field.”

In the second half, 21-year-old Sentnor doubled the lead with a highlight-reel strike. After collecting the ball in space, she surged toward the goal and unleashed a swerving shot into the back of the net. Sentnor, named US Young Female Player of the Year last year, celebrated by rushing to the sidelines to embrace her teammates.

“It means the world,” she said. “Playing alongside people I’ve idolized growing up is a full-circle moment.”

The victory extends the USWNT’s unbeaten streak to 21 matches, with their last loss dating back to February 2023 against Mexico. Under head coach Emma Hayes, the team aims to secure a sixth consecutive SheBelieves Cup title, having dominated the competition in recent years.

Despite Colombia’s attacking threats from Linda Caicedo and Mayra Ramírez, the USWNT defense held firm, limiting their opponents’ chances.

The United States will next face Australia on Sunday, followed by a clash against Japan on Wednesday as they continue their bid for tournament glory.