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The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) defeated South American side Colombia to reach the semifinals of the W Gold Cup. Goals from Lindsey Horan, Jenna Nighswonger and Jaedyn Shaw, all in the first half, led to a comfortable victory. Moreover, it was a major bounce back from a poor showing against Mexico to close the group stage. That 2-0 loss made the quarterfinal clash more challenging, but a strong performance on Sunday righted any wrongs.
The first-half display demonstrated all that this USWNT can do right. Despite the criticism for the World Cup exit in 2023 and the second-ever loss against Mexico, this game returned the USWNT to elite status. Credit that to interim head coach Twila Kilgore’s move to make six changes to her starting lineup compared to the Mexico game. An inspired performance shrugged off the Colombians’ physical playing style that brought success in the group stage. Aggressive pressing from the USWNT played a key role in delivering a crucial early lead.
Lindsey Horan won the ball in the final third and she slipped in Alex Morgan. Colombian defender Jorelyn Carabali brought Morgan down in the box, and the United States had a penalty in the first 15 minutes. Horan stepped up and buried the penalty. Fewer than 10 minutes later, the USWNT doubled its lead via Jenna Nighswonger. The defender’s second goal for the USMNT came after a clever flick from Alex Morgan with her head. Nighswonger and slotted the shot home. Jaedyn Shaw powered home the USWNT’s third in first-half stoppage time after a cross from Trinity Rodman. That was Shaw’s third goal of the tournament, which is the best among the Americans.
Naeher voted player of the game
Despite the offensive outburst and strong play across the field, it was Alyssa Naeher to earn woman-of-the-match honors. Naeher, making her 100th appearance for the USWNT, held Colombia scoreless in the CONCACAF W Gold Cup quarterfinal. The American made three saves on the…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/uswnt-bounces-back-in-w-gold-cup-faces-canada-in-semifinal-20240304-WST-492893.html
Author : Kyle Fansler
Publish date : 2024-03-04 16:01:08
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