A Strong Start for the USWNT
The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) kicked off 2025 with a promising 2-0 victory over Colombia in the SheBelieves Cup. This opening match, held in Houston, featured impressive performances from emerging talents and veterans alike, setting a positive tone for the tournament. Catarina Macario and Ally Sentnor were the stars of the night, scoring the two goals that secured the win. The match not only demonstrated the team’s strength and confidence but also highlighted the strategic focus of new coach Emma Hayes on developing and integrating young talent.
Experimenting with New Talent
With no major tournament until the 2027 World Cup, Emma Hayes has made it clear that the first half of 2025 will be dedicated to experimentation and broadening the player pool. This approach comes with inherent risks, as developing new players means the team might not always look polished. However, the squad fielded by Hayes, including several newcomers, showed remarkable promise. Tara McKeown made her senior team debut as a starting center back, alongside Emily Sonnett, who received her 100th cap before the game. Gisele Thompson and Michelle Cooper also earned their first caps, while Sentnor and 17-year-old Lily Yohannes made their first starts. This rotation strategy is crucial given the varying training schedules of the players, with European-based players in the middle of their seasons and American-based players preparing for the upcoming NWSL season.
Play of the Game: Sentnor’s Banger
The highlight of the match was undoubtedly Sentnor’s goal in the 60th minute. The young forward found a gap in the middle of the field and fired a powerful shot from outside the box, leaving Colombian goalkeeper Katherine Tapia with no chance. This was Sentnor’s first goal for the USWNT in her first start, and only her third appearance for the senior team. Sentnor, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft, has been building on a strong rookie season with the Utah Royals. She was voted U.S. Soccer’s Young Female Player of the Year and made her debut in a high-profile match at Wembley Stadium against England. Sentnor’s performance is a testament to her potential and the future of the USWNT.
Turning Point: Macario’s Return
A significant turning point in the match came in the 34th minute when 17-year-old Lily Yohannes, making her first start, collected the ball near midfield and found Yazmeen Ryan. Ryan then crossed the ball to Macario, who one-touched it into the back of the net, giving the U.S. a 1-0 lead. This was Macario’s first goal for the national team in three years, a journey marked by resilience and determination. Macario, a star at Chelsea, has battled multiple ACL injuries that have derailed her career. Her valiant return to the USWNT last April was followed by a disappointing knee injury that kept her out of the Paris Olympics. Thursday’s match, her 20th cap and ninth goal, marks her continued comeback and the impact she brings to the team.
Key Stat: Sentnor’s First Goal
Sentnor’s goal was not just a highlight of the match but a significant milestone in her career. Scoring her first goal for the USWNT in just her third appearance is a promising sign of her potential and the depth the team is building. Sentnor’s performance and the overall strength of the team’s offense, particularly in the absence of the "Triple Espresso" front line of Mallory Swanson, Sophia Wilson, and Trinity Rodman, demonstrate the USWNT’s ability to adapt and thrive with a diverse roster.
What’s Next for the USWNT?
The SheBelieves Cup continues with a quick turnaround, as the teams play three matches in seven days. The USWNT will travel to Glendale, Arizona, to face Australia on February 23, and then to San Diego to play Japan on February 26. The tournament winner will be determined by total points (three for a win, one for a tie), with the first tiebreaker being overall goal difference, followed by most goals scored, and then head-to-head results. The USWNT has a strong track record in this tournament, having won seven SheBelieves Cup titles, including the last five in a row. This continued success and the emergence of new talent bode well for the team’s future, as they prepare for the 2027 World Cup and beyond.
