The US Women’s National Team kicked off their 2025 SheBelieves Cup campaign with a dominant 2-0 victory over Colombia on Thursday. While the focus was on the impressive performances of rising stars and a returning veteran, questions linger about the fitness of key players like Alex Morgan, who was absent from the roster.
Catarina Macario marked a triumphant return with the opening goal in the 33rd minute, her first international score in nearly three years, signaling a successful comeback from a long injury layoff. Adding to the excitement, 21-year-old Ally Sentnor solidified the win with her debut international goal at the 60-minute mark, showcasing the depth and emerging talent within the USWNT squad.
“Everybody is super happy, super proud,” head coach Emma Hayes commented on Macario’s goal, acknowledging the significance of her return from injury. This victory not only highlighted Macario’s resilience but also underscored Hayes’s strategy of integrating fresh talent into the national team setup.
Macario’s return from injury and goal were highlights of the USWNT’s SheBelieves Cup opener. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
New Generation Steps Up as USWNT Faces Roster Questions
Hayes’s decision to field less experienced players proved fruitful, as the USWNT’s victory was propelled by players earning their first caps and starts. Sentnor, in only her third cap and first start, earned high praise from Hayes for her tenacious play. Seventeen-year-old Lily Yohannes also impressed in her first USWNT start, demonstrating exceptional vision and passing ability in midfield.
Tara McKeown, another newcomer, seized her starting opportunity by providing the assist for Sentnor’s spectacular goal. These performances suggest a bright future for the USWNT, especially as the team navigates a period where seasoned veterans, including Alex Morgan, are not part of the current squad. While the team is showcasing emerging talent, the absence of established players like Morgan raises questions about team selection and player availability, prompting fans to wonder about potential injuries or squad rotation strategies.
Rookie Ally Sentnor scores her first international goal, assisted by Tara McKeown. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
Sonnett Reaches Milestone as USWNT Looks Ahead to Australia
Amidst the excitement of new talent, the USWNT also celebrated veteran leadership. Emily Sonnett was honored before the game for reaching her 100th cap, a significant milestone in her distinguished USWNT career. Sonnett captained the team and played a crucial role in defense, highlighting the blend of experience and youth within the current roster. Sonnett’s achievement provides a sense of continuity as the team evolves and integrates new players, especially with questions surrounding the consistent availability of other veteran forwards like Alex Morgan.
Looking ahead, the USWNT, currently second in the SheBelieves Cup standings, prepares to face Australia in their next match. Australia, after a 4-0 defeat to Japan, will be a challenging opponent. The USWNT’s last encounter with Australia was at the 2024 Olympics, where they secured a 2-1 victory. As they approach this upcoming match, roster rotation is expected, with Hayes likely prioritizing player fitness and managing workloads, particularly with the NWSL season on the horizon. The focus on fitness management becomes even more pertinent when considering the status of key players like Alex Morgan and ensuring the squad’s overall health throughout the season.
The USWNT’s victory over Colombia offered a glimpse into the team’s promising future, with young players making a strong impact. However, the absence of established figures like Alex Morgan prompts ongoing discussions about team selection and player fitness as they progress through the SheBelieves Cup and beyond.
