USWNT gear up for second Colombia test with comfortable 3-0 win
A brace from Sophia Smith helped the U.S. women’s soccer team to defeat Colombia 3-0 in a friendly match in which goalkeeper Catalina Perez saved two penalties.
Two goals from Sophia Smith helped the USWNT to beat Colombia 3-0 on Saturday in a friendly match in which goalkeeper Catalina Perez saved two penalties for the South American side.
The Colombian goalkeeper saved the first penalty kick from Lindsey Horan with 10 minutes elapsed at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado.
What was your favorite part about last night’s win? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/52C44XT3Cj
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) June 26, 2022
Despite clear local dominance, the match went into halftime goalless, when the United States introduced several substitute players, including star player Alex Morgan.
The U.S. team’s persistence paid off in the 54th minute when Rose Lavelle served a long ball behind the back of the defense to Smith, who shot a left-footed shot past Perez.
“Happy to get some minutes in. I got in behind quite a bit, drew the penalty, but over all I think just opened up more in the second half in general. So I think more space to play.”@alexmorgan13 reflects on being back with the @USWNT and her performance tonight 🇺🇸 🙌 pic.twitter.com/rh682hPXoR
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 26, 2022
In the 60th minute, Lavelle stole a ball in midfield and again set up Smith, who made it 2-0 with another left-footed cross.
Ten minutes later, Catalina Perez saved her second penalty kick with a great save from Rose Lavelle.
Veteran Megan Rapinoe, the 2019 FIFA Ballon d’Or winner, also came on in the 77th minute for the North American team.
Rapinoe herself assisted for the 3-0 lead with a free kick from the left edge of the box that was headed into the net by Taylor Kornieck to the jubilation of their 17,000 fans.
Return game on Tuesday
The two teams will meet again in a second friendly on Tuesday night in Sandy, Utah.
Colombia is preparing for the Copa America, which it will host in July, and the United States is preparing for the Concacaf qualifiers for the 2023 World Cup, which also take place next month.