On January 22, the USWNT played Colombia for the second time within a week. The game was once again well played for both teams. There was a lot changed this time around, even with only a four day difference between games. However, the result was still the same. The United States came out on top after the 90 minute game, with a result of 6-0.

The lineups for both the teams looked different than they did on Monday evening. For the U.S, their starting lineup consisted of seven different changes. The goalkeeper, as well as the entire back line was different. There were also one change in the midfield and one change in the offensive line. This included the first international start for Catarina Macario, who played in her first international game on January 18. Colombia also had multiple veteran players return to their ranks after missing Monday’s game due to COVID related reasons.

A USWNT fan, Vanessa, explained how it was interesting there were so many changes to the team’s lineup. “I think it has to do a lot with the Olympics coming up this summer.” She continued, “With only 18 people on a roster for the Olympics, the United States needs to find the best players and the best lineups for those matches.”

Some of the older players, now present on Colombia’s roster, made a difference in the game. Colombia had more opportunities going forward. They even had good pressure offensively and almost got a few shots off throughout the game. Colombia’s goal keeper, Sandra Sepúlveda, played another outstanding game. The score would’ve been a lot worse if Sepúlveda didn’t make some incredible, crucial saves.

The United States kept up the constant pressure offensively, for the second game in a row. Megan Rapinoe lead the team as captain, until she was substitute out. At that point, Carli Lloyd took her spot. Early on in the game, during the third minute, Catarina Macario scored her first international goal for the USWNT. In her first two games, Macario is playing like the superstar everybody thought she would be.

Another USWNT fan, Jess, commented, “I think Macario is going to make an incredible difference on this national team.” She continued, “She is one of the younger players on the team and when some of the veterans end up retiring, she is going to be one of the key players to take their spots. She’s going to lead the younger generations and be an amazing role model for young girls everywhere.”

Megan Rapinoe scored during the 35th minute from a ball played by Emily Sonnett, an outside back. Rapinoe scored again minutes later through a direct penalty kick in the 43rd minute. The second half ended with the United States up by three goals.

As the second half went under way, the game began to get chippy. One of Colombia’s players, Velasquez, was awarded a yellow card after multiple fouls and warning in Colombia’s offensive final third. However in the 60th minute, Lynn Williams scored off a header through a cross sent in by Samantha Mewis.

The United States earned 20 corner kicks throughout this game, one of which they capitalized on. Lindsey Horan scored in the 73rd minute through a corner kick played by Crystal Dunn. Crystal Dunn, an outside back, played an offensive wing player during Friday’s game.

The final goal was scored by Margaret Purce in the 83rd minute. She scored off a header serviced by Carli Lloyd. This was also Purce’s first career international goal with the USWNT. The United States has various points of attack on their team as five different players scored during Friday’s game.

With the win against Colombia, head coach, Vlatko Andonovski, improves his starting record to 13-0-0. The team as a whole also has a 34 game unbeaten streak. During this run, the U.S. has also outscored their opponents 179-27. The United States hopes to improve these statistics as they work towards the She Believes Cup in February and the 2020 Olympics later this summer.