SHEBELIEVES CUP GLORY! USA ROCKETS PAST COLOMBIA

 

Written by B. Keith Crear III, SFL Writer | Photo by Oscar Herrera, SFL Photographer

HOUSTON (Feb. 20, 2025) -- A roar erupted from Shell Energy Stadium as Catarina Macario, back and better than ever, finally smashed home a goal, igniting the U.S. Women's National Team's SheBelieves Cup campaign with a thrilling 2-0 victory over a tough Colombian side! But the fireworks didn't stop there! Ally Sentnor, the young phenom, etched her name into USWNT history with a jaw-dropping, first-ever senior international goal that sent the crowd of 15,043 into raptures!

The 2025 SheBelieves Cup, presented by Visa, kicked off with a bang, and the USA wasted no time showing why they're the queens of this prestigious tournament. Seven titles in the past nine years, including five straight? They're hungry for more! This dominant performance against a formidable Colombia team, a side that stunned the world with their Olympic and World Cup runs, proves they're not messing around.

Houston also witnessed the dawn of a new era between the posts. With the legendary Alyssa Naeher hanging up her gloves, the spotlight shone on hometown hero Jane Campbell. The Houston Dash netminder, playing on familiar turf, rose to the occasion, earning her ninth cap and a crucial shutout – her sixth career clean sheet! Behind her, a dynamic blend of seasoned veterans and electrifying newcomers, led by the centurion Emily Sonnett, formed an impenetrable wall.

Macario, returning to her dazzling form after a long injury battle, teamed up with the electrifying Yazmeen Ryan and the red-hot Sentnor to form a forward line that had Colombia reeling. And it was Sentnor, the U-20 World Cup Bronze Ball winner, who stole the show with a goal for the ages! A rocket of a shot from distance, swerving and unstoppable, sealed the deal for the USA and sent shockwaves through the stadium.

Colombia, boasting superstars like Linda Caicedo and Mayra Ramírez, came to Houston ready to rumble. But the relentless pressure and clinical finishing of the USWNT proved too much to handle. The Americans controlled the tempo, dominating possession and creating a flurry of chances.

The SheBelieves Cup action continues on Feb. 23 in Glendale, Arizona, where Colombia will face Japan before the USA takes on Australia in a mouthwatering clash. Don't miss it! This is going to be one for the ages!