HOUSTON — The United States women’s national team (USWNT) began their 2025 campaign on a high note, securing a 2-0 victory over Colombia in the opening match of the SheBelieves Cup. This win was marked by impressive goals from Catarina Macario and Ally Sentnor, showcasing the team’s potential as they blend youth and experience.
Earlier on Thursday, Japan also made headlines by defeating Australia 4-0 in their first match.
The match saw three players debut for the national team. Tara McKeown took her position at center back alongside Emily Sonnett, who celebrated her 100th cap before the game. Gisele Thompson and Michelle Cooper came on as second-half substitutes, while Sentnor and 17-year-old Lily Yohannes made their first starts.
This young roster, with ten players entering camp having four caps or fewer, brings a refreshing energy compared to the more seasoned squad from last summer’s Paris Olympics. The focus now is on growth and development.
Sentnor reflected on the supportive atmosphere, stating, “The veteran players really believing in us and telling us every day that we’re here for a reason.” She noted the encouragement received from Lindsey Heaps before the game, which bolstered her confidence. “It really means the world to us, and I’m just so proud of everyone that came in today and did a great job,” she added.
Heaps advised Sentnor to “be me and continue to just play my game,” encouraging her to focus on her strengths during the match.
Here are key takeaways from the match:
Play of the game
Sentnor’s standout moment came in the 60th minute when she spotted an opening in the midfield. She unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, leaving Colombian goalkeeper Katherine Tapia with no chance to respond. This goal marked Sentnor’s first for the USWNT in her debut start, a remarkable achievement in just her third appearance.
“Oh my gosh, I’m just so thankful and happy to be here,” Sentnor expressed. “The team has put in the work these last few trainings, and we executed what we’ve been working on.” She has built on a successful rookie season with the Utah Royals, where she was the No. 1 overall pick in 2024 and recognized as U.S. Soccer’s Young Female Player of the Year.
Turning point
In the 34th minute, Yohannes made a pivotal play, collecting the ball near midfield and delivering a precise pass to Yazmeen Ryan. Ryan then provided a quality cross to Macario, who scored with a deft one-touch finish, giving the U.S. a 1-0 lead. This goal marked Macario’s first for the national team in three years.
Macario shared her thoughts, saying, “Honestly, I don’t remember much. I just saw a big gap and knew I had to be there.” Her journey back to the national team has been fraught with challenges, including multiple injuries that sidelined her for significant periods. This match marked her 20th cap and ninth goal.
“I’m just so happy to be playing,” Macario said, reflecting on her emotional return to the field. She expressed gratitude for the support of her coach, Hayes, who understands her journey.
Since the Olympics, the 25-year-old has worked hard to regain her form with Chelsea, participating in 13 matches with five starts, scoring five goals and providing two assists. This was her first USWNT match in eight months.
The USWNT has faced challenges in scoring when key players like Mallory Swanson, Sophia Wilson, and Trinity Rodman are unavailable. The return of a fit Macario is a significant boost as the team seeks to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Key stat
Sentnor’s goal on Thursday night is just the beginning of what could be a promising career with the USWNT. Hayes recognized Sentnor’s talent, stating, “Ally has come through the youth ranks, demonstrating the qualities you need to be at this level.” The focus has been on her decision-making in critical situations, and Hayes expressed confidence in her ability to execute under pressure.
What’s next for the USWNT?
The SheBelieves Cup’s format demands quick turnarounds, with teams playing three matches in a week. The USWNT will head to Glendale, Arizona, to face Australia on February 23, followed by a match against Japan in San Diego on February 26.
The tournament winner will be determined by total points, with the first tiebreaker being goal difference, followed by goals scored and head-to-head results.
The USWNT has a strong history in the SheBelieves Cup, having claimed seven titles, including the last five consecutively.
