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February 3 – In a bad tempered quarter final, particularly in the first half, the USA beat Colombia 3-0 in the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. The US now move on to face Canada in the semi-finals in San Diego on Wednesday.
After having been picked apart by Mexico in their final group game, this result went a long way to re-establishing the USA’s reputation against a nation that excelled at the 2023 World Cup and pushed Brazil close in their group at the W Gold Cup a week ago.
Colombia struggled to match the USA’s strength and willingness to use it. Ultimately they were bullied out of the game and their pleas for help fell on the referee’s deaf ears.
For US interim coach Twila Kilgore it will be a relief to have found a reliable formation after four matches of major team changes, having again made seven changes to the starting XI from the Mexico game.
Gone were the veteran centreback pairing of Becky Sauerbrunn and Abby Dahlkemper, as well as Crystal Dunn at left back. Rose Lavelle was also dropped to the bench, but Alex Morgan retained her starting position up front.
Youth was added with 19-year old Jaedyn Shaw in the attacking line-up, while Jenna Nighswonger returned for a start on the left.
Colombia made two changes from the team that beat Puerto Rico, bringing Daniela Montoya and Lorena Bedoya back into midfield
Colombia opened with Linda Caicedo releasing Maria Usme early on but Usme couldn’t control the ball to cause a real threat.
With the US forcing the pace, the Colombians were being bullied off the ball too easily in midfield, exposing their back line.
On 10’ Alex Morgan was through in box with the ball at her feet but was bowled over by Jorelyn Carabaldi. Lindsey Horan stepped up and pushed the ball to Natalia Girardo’s right – 1-0 and the US had stamped their mark on the game.
With tempers fraying on both sides the US won a corner on 15’ that Jaedyn Shaw headed wide.
Shaw forced a Colombia mistake from the restart but…
Source link : https://www.insideworldfootball.com/2024/03/04/us-muscle-colombia-3-0-head-san-diego-canada-showdown/
Author : Paul Nicholson
Publish date : 2024-03-04 07:12:54
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