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Soccer

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.

Update:
COMMERCE CITY, COLORADO - JUNE 25: Sophia Smith of Team USA is congratulated by Alex Morgan #13 after scoring her second goal against Colombia in the second half at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on June 25, 2022 in Commerce City, Colorado.   Matthew Stockman/Getty Images/AFP
== FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==
MATTHEW STOCKMANAFP

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.

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.

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.

USA midfielder Taylor Kornieck (20) celebrates with forward Megan Rapinoe (15) and forward Alex Morgan (13)
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USA midfielder Taylor Kornieck (20) celebrates with forward Megan Rapinoe (15) and forward Alex Morgan (13)John LeybaUSA TODAY Sports

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.