By Luis Carlos Pineda
313 days since the USWNT played a single game at home. Today they played Colombia, a team making the right moves for women that love the sport in South America. But their efforts were not enough. They were defeated by a USWNT that without even in top gear they obliterated the Colombians in every way possible.
In the first half, 4th minute, a super cross from Megan Rapinoe that was rusty but effective throughout the game, connects to Sam Mewis and 1-0 USWNT. The first U.S goal left the Colombian squad stunned and it seemed that they all entered into panic mode. Pavi, for example, she was completely mesmerized by the Rapinoe-Horan association and desperation clearly makes you do crazy things so she fouled Dunn from behind and got a yellow. 4 minutes later, Pavi again fouled Megan Rapinoe and almost got another yellow but the referee deemed that it was not intentional, but in my opinion it was.
In the 30th minute, Rapinoe crossed a ball to Carli Lloyd and Sepulveda, the best player in the Colombian side, got a superb save. Top Class, the most resilient player of the Colombian side bar none.
Something to add, it seems to this point of the game that all USWMNT players tried to feed Carli Lloyd for her to score, also its safe to say that all the crosses done throughout the game were due to the abismal size difference between both squads. It was easier to exploit the size difference by crossing the ball constantly. Vlatko clearly exploited both attacking flanks both through Dunn and O’Hara making it difficult for Colombia to play their game and forced them to retreat.
In the 32nd minute, Again the flanks, Horan sends a cross to Lloyd, which heads back the ball to Sam Mewis to score, 2-0 U.S. Mewis scores her 20th goal with the USWNT.
In the second half, we saw changes in both lineups. Macario was in the game as well as 15 year old Colombian phenom Linda Caicedo. As well, we saw Sam Mewis exiting for Rose Lavelle and her sister Kristi Mewis, entered the pitch.
Right at the start, There was a penalty committed by a Colombian defender and Sam Mewis scores a Hat-trick. 3-0 U.S. Colombians were left stunned again.
After the goal it was all U.S and after the subs came in, even more so. Colombia was playing without any ideas and pretty much it seemed they wanted this match to be over soon.
In the 85th minute, Carli Lloyd over sprinted Ibarguen for a Cross to Kristi Mewis and she sealed the GOLEADA for a 4-0 win which extended their winning streak at home. It was Sam Mewis with Hat-trick and Kristie Mewis with 1 goal. It was Mewis-mania!
Both squads will face again on friday to which seems to be another walk in the park for the United States, I do believe that Vlatko is going to change the starting lineup to give a different show and stunned their rivals yet again.
Vamos USA!