The United States women’s national team demonstrated resilience and determination as they bounced back from a surprising defeat to Mexico, securing a convincing 3-0 victory against Colombia in the Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinals at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.
The USWNT took control early in the match, with first-half goals from Lindsay Horan, Jenna Nighswonger, and Jaedyn Shaw, establishing a comfortable lead by halftime. Interim coach Twila Kilgore commended her team’s strategy of playing aggressively in the opponent’s territory, which proved effective in neutralizing Colombia’s threats.
Kilgore made strategic changes to the starting lineup following the loss to Mexico, including Shaw, Korbin Albert, and Alex Morgan, who made notable contributions to the team’s performance against Colombia. Horan opened the scoring with a penalty kick, while Nighswonger doubled the lead with a well-executed shot. Shaw sealed the first-half dominance with her goal just before halftime, showcasing the team’s attacking prowess.
Shaw’s goal marked a significant milestone, as she became only the second player in U.S. history to score in each of her first three international starts, alongside Shannon Boxx. The USWNT’s offensive capabilities were notably enhanced with Shaw’s presence on the field, highlighting her speed and creativity.
Despite the absence of goals in the second half, the USWNT continued to dominate possession, ensuring a secure victory and booking their spot in the semifinals. Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and the defense, led by Naomi Girma, displayed resilience, securing a clean sheet against Colombia and reaffirming their defensive prowess.
Looking ahead, the USWNT remains focused on maintaining consistency and executing their game plan effectively, regardless of previous results. Kilgore emphasized the importance of regrouping and addressing areas for improvement, while also preparing for their next opponent with the same level of determination.
With Brazil set to face Mexico in the other semifinal, the USWNT is poised to compete for a spot in the final, showcasing their strength and determination on the road to victory in the Concacaf Gold Cup.