US Women's National Soccer Team

The United States Women's National Team started 2025 off with a win.

The Americans defeated Colombia 2-0 in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup on Thursday at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. It was the first game for both sides of the 10th annual edition of the tournament, and Catarina Macario and Ally Sentnor found the back of the net for the team playing on its home soil.

It was business as usual for the USWNT, which has won seven of the previous nine SheBelieves Cups and each of the last five.

Cat Macario scores her first USWNT goal since April 12, 2022 😤

Watch every SheBelieves Cup game on TBS and Max 📺 pic.twitter.com/8DFkJiPSYP

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 21, 2025

This is how Ally Sentnor scored her first USWNT goal.

WOW 🚀

Watch every SheBelieves Cup game on TBS and Max 📺 pic.twitter.com/tvRS5WCOWZ

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 21, 2025

This year's tournament also features Japan and Australia, and the teams will face each other over the course of a six-game, three-matchday format. Whichever side accumulates the most points (three for a win, one for a tie) will be the champion.

Macario and Sentnor made sure the Americans earned three points right out of the gates. While they were the goal scorers, 17-year-old Lily Yohannes also stood out in the middle of the field with her precision passing and ability to control the pace.

There was no shortage of social-media reaction for the overall performance:

I don't know about you, but I'm very much looking forward to watching Lily Yohannes continue to absolutely ball out for the USWNT.

— Ella Brockway (@ellabrockway) February 21, 2025

CATARINA MACARIO pic.twitter.com/7VJhS9YIg1

— mrnda (@mrpndatj) February 21, 2025

HELLO CATARINA MACARIO WELCOME BACK

— iyala (@tiredsed) February 21, 2025

Yohannes ➡️ Ryan ➡️ Macario is a trio I never knew I needed! The @AttackingThird ladies must be going nuts! #SheBelivesCup #uswnt pic.twitter.com/hT4tMa22Uc

— Kait Solomon (@KTSolomon) February 21, 2025

CAT MACARIO IS SO BACK 👏👏👏

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) February 21, 2025

Lily Yohannes is the truth.

US soccer is going to be just fine for years to come.

Great for Cat Macario too.

— Nicholas Rizzo (@CoachNRizzo) February 21, 2025

Cat Macario back scoring for the USWNT, you love to see it.

— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) February 21, 2025

cat macario more like i’m in loveio

— Gracie (@graciefishaa) February 21, 2025

Lily Yohannes is BALLING tonight. She dropped that in a bucket for the hockey assist on Cat Macario's goal. https://t.co/PQqd4Q1Av7

— Kyle Bonn (@the_bonnfire) February 21, 2025

Lily Yohannes - I can't think of a woman soccer player with this kind of poise on the ball, passing range, delivery, vision. She's unreal and only 17.

— Simon Evans (@sgevans) February 21, 2025

lily yohannes is HER

— Aaron West (@oeste) February 21, 2025

WHAT A RIP ALLY SENTNOR!!!!!!!!

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) February 21, 2025

https://twitter.com/suspirism/status/1892764285039731129

There are 10,000 people in Hanson, Massachusetts, but only one Ally Sentnor scoring bangers 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2t3OrWDPkF

— The Women's Game (@WomensGameMIB) February 21, 2025

AHHHHHHH WHAT A BANGER ALLY SENTNOR!!!

Scenes in my house right now: pic.twitter.com/DK6JkgSHtR

— Sara Ach (@supertornado3) February 21, 2025

ALLY SENTNOR ONLY SCORES BANGERS

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) February 21, 2025

the confidence of Yohannes, McKeown, and Sentnor is an INCREDIBLE watch

— mads (@trinrodmanszn) February 21, 2025

Historically, the USWNT has enjoyed nothing but success against Colombia considering it entered play with an 11-0-2 record in 13 matchups. However, Colombia is trending in the right direction with appearances in the quarterfinals of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2024 Olympics.

What's more, many of the household names who have defined recent eras of American soccer were not on the field for Thursday's contest.

But that didn't stop Macario from setting the tone in the early going with her first international goal since 2022. Yazmeen Ryan set Macario up with a centering pass in the box, and the forward buried it to open the scoring in the first half.

Ryan and Macario got credit in the box score with the assist and goal, but it was the perfectly placed long pass from Yohannes that started the scoring opportunity.

lily yohannes to yazmeen ryan to cat macario, what a GORGEOUS play

— Maggie Yan 🌷 (@maggiemyan) February 21, 2025

The scoring wasn't done, as Sentnor dribbled through multiple defenders and unleashed a rocket from outside the box to give the Americans some breathing room in the second half.

It was a deserved second for the victors, as they controlled the majority of possession throughout the game and cut off any chance at a comeback with their strong defense and midfield play.

As a result, they head into Sunday's game against Australia with plenty of momentum as they look to take another step toward winning another edition of the SheBelieves Cup.

The United States women's national team kicks off play in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup on Thursday against Colombia.

Thursday's contest in Houston is part of an opening set of games for the 10th annual SheBelieves Cup. Japan and Australia are the other participants.

The USWNT has won seven of the nine SheBelieves Cups and it has won five in a row against some of the best teams from across the globe.

Emma Hayes' side for the competition is made up of a mixture of veterans, mostly in defense and midfield, and some players looking to take the next step in their international careers.

USWNT vs. Colombia Info

Date: Thursday, February 20

Start Time: 8 p.m. ET

TV: TBS

Live Stream: Max

Game Preview

Thursday's clash with Colombia in Houston is the first game of 2025 for Emma Hayes' USWNT.

The Americans have eyes on the future with their roster for the SheBelieves Cup.

Only three players on the roster have more than 100 international appearances and just six in total have over 60 caps.

The majority of that experience comes in the back line through Crystal Dunn, Emily Sonnett, Tierna Davidson and Emily Fox.

Lindsey Heaps will anchor the midfield and Lynn Biyendolo carries the most appearances and goals among the forward group.

The USWNT prided itself on defense in 2024, as it recorded 14 clean sheets, including one in the Gold Cup quarterfinals against Colombia.

The back line will be vital once again in 2025, and it could have some extra importance at the start of the SheBelieves Cup.

Longtime starting goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher retired from international duty at the end of 2024. Jane Campbell and Mandy McGlynn, who have nine caps between them, will get the first shots to start in goal in 2025.

The combination of an experienced back line and Heaps controlling the midfield should help the Americans stay in control of Thursday's contest.

Colombia enters the SheBelieves Cup as the lowest-ranked team in the FIFA women's world rankings among the four participants at No. 21. The USWNT is No. 1, Japan is No. 8 and Australia is 15th.

Some of the best young American attacking talent will be on display to test the Colombian back line.

Jaedyn Shaw, who had six international goals in 2024, will be a focal point of the attack all tournament long, as should Catarina Macario and Alyssa Thompson.

The USWNT isn't as deep as forward for this specific tournament, but Shaw, Macario and Thompson are more than capable of carrying the team through three games.

Thursday's game is the first of three in six days for the USWNT. The SheBelieves Cup is a round-robin tournament in which the team with the most points at the end wins the competition.

Prediction

USWNT 2, Colombia 0

The gold medal in the 2024 Olympic Women's Soccer Tournament will be decided Saturday from the Parc des Princes in Paris when the United States squares off with Brazil.

It is the culmination of a tournament that's seen the Americans thrive with a youthful roster under new head coach Emma Hayes. The team advanced through the field unbeaten, including nail-biting 1-0 victories against Japan and Germany.

Brazil enters the finale with momentum on its side.

The team suffered two consecutive losses to Japan and Germany, in group play and looked to be out of contention to secure the gold medal.

A late surge, fueled by the desire to win Brazil's first Olympic gold medal in women's soccer and send the legendary Marta off with the biggest international tournament victory over her career, has them one win away from history.

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Viewing Info

Date: Saturday, August 10

Time: 11:00 a.m. EST

TV: NBC

Streaming: Peacock, NBCOlympics.com

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Current Odds

Brazil (+425)

Draw (+205)

United States (-110)

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

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Prediction

This will be the third time that the United States and Brazil match up in the Olympic finals, with the previous two coming in 2004 and 2008. The United States won both matchups.

It is also the seventh time the two will clash in the knockout rounds of a major tournament, meaning the two countries are no strangers to each other in high-pressure matches.

The United States has already played a lot of soccer in Paris, an hour more than Brazil according to NBC Sports. Head coach Emma Hayes has not made a habit of rotating the starting lineup and making heavy use of her bench either, meaning the same starters have played the majority of the tournament's games.

Henry Bushnell of Yahoo wrote of Hayes showing her team video of ultramarathoner Courtney Dauwalter discussing "pain caves" and the amount of suffering that goes into excelling in a grinding sport.

"[If] she can do that, more than 100 miles in 26 hours, we can dig deep in here," Hayes said.

She continued, "I want them to suffer. I want them to have that moment. 'Cause I do not believe you can win without it. And I haven't had long enough with this group to get that yet. And I want to see who they are when it's hard."

That decision may rear its head late in the game when exhaustion sets in. The team was built for situations exactly like this, though, with its youthfulness likely a deciding factor in Hayes' decision to ride it out with the players on the field.

They will need to find some scoring, though, after each of the last two games went to extra time and ended with one goal scored apiece.

Conversely, Brazil's most pertinent coaching decision revolves around Marta and whether she starts the game or comes off the bench. She is a legend in the sport and one of the greatest players to grace the game, so the idea of asking her not to start the final game of her international playing career is a huge ask of head coach Arthur Elias.

It is nearly impossible not to notice how much better the team was in her absence, though. Brazil defeated two teams in France and Spain that were, by all accounts, better than them all tournament long. They found momentum and on-field chemistry and put up four goals on La Roja, shocking the world and cashing their ticket to the gold medal game.

Does the coach dare interrupt what the team has going to start Marta?

Potentially, if it means achieving something the country never has, despite generations of success in the sport.

Brazil dismantled Spain, one of the tournament favorites. They have purpose and momentum on their side.

This United States team has a legacy of its own to write and a coach looking to set the tone for her time at the helm of the international squad.

With one game left, the Americans dig down and pull out another dramatic victory to claim gold and leave France once again the team to beat.

USA defeats Brazil 2-1 in ET

It is a new day for the United States women's national team following the retirements of Kelley O'Hara, Julie Ertz and Megan Rapinoe and the introduction of new head coach, Emma Hayes.

The team may be missing familiar faces, women who guided the side to World Cup and Olympic victories, but a new generation of stars are ready to break out and establish themselves as the future of the country's international efforts.

Who are they and what storylines should fans keep an eye on as the United States looks to send a message loudly and clearly on the world's stage that it remains one of the best, most dangerous teams in women's soccer?

Find out with this preview.

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Date, Time, Viewing Info

When: Tuesday at 8:00 p.m.

Streaming: Max, Peacock

TV: truTV, Universo

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Storyline to Watch: New Head Coach Sets Tone for USWNT

The women's national team kicked off a new era a week ago with Hayes' first victory as head coach, a 4-0 win over South Korea. The victory was one-sided and served as a showcase for the Americans, but Hayes has not been shy about keeping her team humble.

"There's lots of work to do. There's lots of holes in our play, no question, but it was a good start," she told reporters in her postgame press conference.

She continued, "I've trained them quite hard this week, and I think with the altitude, the heat and the training, I thought there was a little lethargy, but I thought the team stuck at it."

Hayes understands the power of compliments, too, and did not hesitate to deal them out when necessary, including to the returning Mallory Swanson.

"She's a player I always admired so to get the opportunity to coach her, see firsthand the quality she possesses, but she's a connector. She's really magnetic, as a human being, too, in the way she operates in the team. She can multitask, she can do what she's doing on the pitch," she said.

Swanson missed considerable time last year with a torn left patella tendon but announced her return to the international stage with a two-goal performance that established her as one of the focal points of the United States' offensive attack.

"It's so special." 🗣 Highlands Ranch native Mallory Swanson (@MalPugh) talks about scoring 2 goals for the #USWNT in her return home to Colorado ⬇

FULL STORY: https://t.co/t1uDBOpYfT pic.twitter.com/BfljumvBHA

— 9NEWS Sports Denver (@9NEWSSports) June 2, 2024

Hayes also spoke highly of Sophia Smith, who showed out in the victory over South Korea, specifically what the future holds for the 23-year-old forward.

"Soph, she stretched the pitch out really well, thought she linked well with Mal. There's another level, in my opinion, yet … She really wants to do well for this team but with the right amount of coaching and time, I think we can add a lot to her."

Tuesday's game will represent the final opportunity for Hayes to examine the roster and evaluate the players on it. Expect all to get a look as the new head coach makes her final determinations on exactly which players will represent the country in Paris at the Olympics.

Veteran Alex Morgan will see action Tuesday after she missed the first match against South Korea due to hip tightness. Hayes expects a "nice and fresh" Morgan, who is still a leader on the team despite the coach's shift in focus to Swanson, Smith and Trinity Rodman as a trio around whom to build this national team.

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Prediction

Look for Hayes to rotate players and lineups as she gets a feel for her team.

Morgan will get playing time and look to impress, as will Rose Lavelle, who is returning from her own injury. Lavelle set up one of Swanson's two goals a week ago, showing no signs of long-term effect from the lower leg injury, and should see even more playing time, which will put 19-year-old forward Jaedyn Shaw in an interesting position.

WHO ELSE BUT JAEDYN SHAW?? 🔥

Frisco, TX’s finest levels it up in Atlanta with this brilliant long range strike. Her 5th goal in 5 @USWNT starts. And she’s only 19 years old… 😱 pic.twitter.com/eZ1tHr1F6U

— The Women's Game (@WomensGameMIB) April 6, 2024

The midfielder from San Diego Wave FC leads the team in goals (5 in 2024) but saw herself relegated to substitute status in the first South Korea game amid Lavelle's return to the pitch and an injury of her own.

How Hayes utilizes Shaw and the rest of her team remains to be seen but, even if things do not go as smoothly as she might like, the coach should lead her side to another impressive victory.

Hayes said the team is ready to put their World Cup disappointment from 2023 behind them, and it continues Tuesday night in St. Paul, Minnesota with another inspiring win.

USWNT beats South Korea, 2-0

In their penultimate match of 2023, the United States Women's National Soccer Team beat China 3-0 in an international friendly at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Saturday.

Coming off a 0-0 draw and 3-0 win against Colombia on Oct. 26 and 29, the USWNT dominated the pace of play Saturday, surrendering little in the way of possession or threatening attacks to China.

Overall, the Americans won the possession battle 63.8 percent to 36.2 percent and finished with 20 shot attempts and 11 shots on goal, compared to two shot attempts and shots on goal for China.

The United States opened the scoring in the eighth minute when Sophia Smith took a perfect pass from Trinity Rodman and deposited it past the Chinese goalkeeper:

Soph + Trin, that's good soccer. pic.twitter.com/6Y9XrkJS5V

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) December 2, 2023

Whole the Americans failed to capitalize on many golden scoring opportunities throughout the rest of the first half, veteran Lindsey Horan extended the lead to 2-0 in the 52nd minute on a somewhat fortunate ball that was meant to be a pass:

The Great Horan adds a second for the home team 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/3xwAFnhqx3

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) December 2, 2023

In the 77th minute, Rodman added a goal off a deflection to her previous two assists in the match, making it 3-0:

a tap tap taparoo pic.twitter.com/HpxfuhwffH

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) December 2, 2023

21-196 - At 21 years, 196 days old, Trinity Rodman (1 goal, 2 assists) is the second-youngest @USWNT player in the last 15 years to record three goal contributions in a single match (Mallory Swanson (19-267) vs. Denmark in January 2018). Involved. pic.twitter.com/JeJGeRrMlH

— OptaJack⚽️ (@OptaJack) December 2, 2023

With the Americans running their undefeated streak to five in a row since a disappointing performance in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup over the summer, USWNT fans celebrated Saturday's performance on X, formerly known as Twitter:

https://twitter.com/therichwatch/status/1731070166803390942

uswnt we are so back pic.twitter.com/iBeESh6VdM

— shirley 🦚 ⚽️ (@daylightshirley) December 2, 2023

It looks like the #USWNT players are having fun in a way I don’t think we saw at all this summer — or in the lead up to the summer. This is so refreshing to watch.

— Marisa Nahem (@Marisa_N19) December 2, 2023

The depth on this team is becoming insane tbh #USWNT

— Elias (@eliasxcastro) December 2, 2023

https://twitter.com/madtravels24/status/1731066856436334614

Loving seeing all these younger players find some success. #uswnt

— Ryan ⚽ (@Fathead826) December 2, 2023

They should’ve won by a lot more but it wasn’t terrible all things considered and I liked what I saw from the newer/younger players. The future is very bright #USWNT

— Mary Frances (@maryfrances__v) December 2, 2023

In an attempt to get a look at new, younger players, the USWNT left several key veterans off the squad for Saturday's friendly, including Alex Morgan, Crystal Dunn and Alyssa Naeher.

While established players like Smith, Rodman and Horan did much of the damage Saturday, several inexperienced players got the chance to get some game action for Team USA.

Among them was 23-year-old Jenn Nighswonger, who won a championship with NJ/NY Gotham FC in her debut NWSL season in 2023.

The 2023 NWSL draft No. 4 overall pick made her USWNT debut as a substitute during the second half.

Mia Fishel, Olivia Moultrie, Jaedyn Shaw and Savannah DeMelon all saw some much-needed action as well.

Getting caps for young players could be key to the USWNT's success next year, particularly at the Summer Olympics in Paris.

The youthful squad will get one more chance to impress before the calendar turns to 2024, as the U.S. and China will meet again in another friendly on Tuesday in Frisco, Texas.

United States women's national team midfielder Kristie Mewis and Australia forward Sam Kerr are engaged, Mewis confirmed to People magazine.

Mewis told People that Kerr has "just been everything" to her and that she is "my biggest supporter, always listening to me nag and complain all, all of my crazy antics."

Mewis and Kerr first sparked dating rumors during the Tokyo Olympics, and the confirmation of their relationship came shortly afterward when the Australian posted a photo of the two kissing on Instagram.

Since then, Mewis and Kerr have continued sharing photos of their bond on Instagram as they navigate their long-distance relationship. Mewis plays for Gotham FC in the National Women's Soccer League while Kerr plays for Chelsea FC Women in England.

Mewis and Gotham FC are gearing up for the NWSL Final against OL Reign on Saturday while Kerr and Chelsea are preparing for a match against Everton on Sunday.