The U.S. women’s national team is gearing up for their first matches of the year as they prepare to kick off the 10th annual SheBelieves Cup against Colombia on Thursday. This highly anticipated matchup will take place at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, where both teams will look to make a statement early in the tournament.
The USWNT has a strong history against Colombia, boasting an unbeaten record of 13 games (11 wins, 2 draws, 0 losses) against their South American opponents. The last time these two teams met was during the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup, where the U.S. emerged victorious with a 3-0 win in the quarterfinals. With a track record of success against Colombia, the USWNT will be looking to continue their dominance in this upcoming showdown.
The SheBelieves Cup serves as a crucial platform for the USWNT to showcase their talent and depth as they prepare for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup and Olympic cycle. Head coach Emma Hayes has assembled a roster that includes a mix of experienced players and up-and-coming talents, with an emphasis on expanding the player pool. Players like Lindsey Heaps (née Horan) are expected to play a significant role in the team’s campaign against Colombia.
On the other side, Colombia will be looking to make a statement of their own with a roster featuring familiar names like Mayra Ramirez and Linda Caicedo. The absence of key USWNT players like Trinity Rodman, Sophia Wilson, and Mallory Swanson could provide an opportunity for Colombia to take advantage and put pressure on their opponents.
In terms of the starting lineup, the projected USWNT XI includes the likes of Jane Campbell, Lindsey Heaps, and Catarina Macario, who are expected to play crucial roles in the team’s performance. With both teams fielding strong lineups, the stage is set for an exciting and competitive match between the U.S. and Colombia.
As for a prediction, the first game of any tournament is always unpredictable, with factors like player rotation and preseason rust coming into play. However, a close contest is expected, with the USWNT edging out Colombia with a 2-1 victory in what promises to be an entertaining clash between these two talented teams. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a multitude of challenges and changes to our daily lives. From lockdowns and social distancing measures to remote work and online learning, the way we live, work, and interact with one another has been completely transformed.
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