Catarina Macario marks her USWNT comeback with a goal, while rising star Ally Sentnor scores a stunning first international goal as the U.S. defeats Colombia 2-0 in the SheBelieves Cup opener.

The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) opened its 2025 SheBelieves Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over Colombia in Houston, marking a strong start to the prestigious four-team tournament.

With goals from Catarina Macario and Ally Sentnor, the American squad showcased a promising mix of experience and rising talent in their first competitive match of the year.

Playing in front of 15,043 fans at Shell Energy Stadium, the USWNT delivered a performance that was both methodical and decisive, securing three points while continuing to integrate new faces into the squad.

This tournament, presented by Visa, is the 10th edition of the SheBelieves Cup, and the U.S. team is aiming for its eighth title after winning the past five consecutive editions.

The match marked several key moments, including Macario’s long-awaited return to the scoresheet following an ACL injury that kept her sidelined for more than a year, and Sentnor’s stunning first international goal.

The game also saw debuts for defenders Tara McKeown and Gisele Thompson and forward Michelle Cooper, underscoring head coach Emma Hayes’ emphasis on bringing in young talent as the team looks toward the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

A Strong Start in the Post-Alyssa Naeher Era

With longtime goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher retiring from international duty, Jane Campbell stepped into the starting role for just her ninth USWNT cap.

The Houston Dash goalkeeper earned a clean sheet in front of her home crowd, though she had little to do, as the U.S. defense did not allow a single shot on target.

The backline featured Emily Sonnett, who captained the team in honor of her 100th cap milestone reached last October, alongside Emily Fox, Jenna Nighswonger, and 25-year-old McKeown, who made her debut.

In midfield, veteran Lindsey Heaps (formerly Horan) and Sam Coffey provided stability, while 17-year-old Lily Yohannes made her first senior start.

The Ajax starlet showed composure beyond her years, playing a key role in Macario’s opening goal with a well-placed long ball.

Colombia, ranked 21st in the world, entered the match as a formidable opponent, having reached the quarterfinals in both the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympics.

The South Americans, featuring top talents like Real Madrid’s Linda Caicedo and Chelsea’s Mayra Ramírez, were energetic in the early stages but struggled to break down the disciplined U.S. defense.

Their best chance came in the 37th minute, when Ramírez dribbled through the backline but sent her shot over the crossbar.

Macario Makes Her Comeback

After a promising start, the U.S. took control in the 33rd minute when Macario found the net for the first time since April 2022.

The Chelsea forward, making her first USWNT appearance since June, connected with a cross from Yazmeen Ryan to finish from close range inside the six-yard box.

The goal was a significant milestone for Macario, who endured a long recovery from an ACL injury suffered in mid-2022.

With her form returning for club and country, she could once again be a vital playmaker for the USWNT moving forward.

Sentnor’s Rocket Seals the Win

While Macario’s goal put the U.S. ahead, it was 19-year-old Ally Sentnor who provided the moment of the match. In the 60th minute, she received a pass from McKeown, took three controlled touches, and unleashed a 27-yard swerving shot into the back of the net.

It was a remarkable strike for the young Utah Royals forward, making her first senior start after debuting in November 2024.

Sentnor, who was named the 2024 U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year, continues to establish herself as one of the brightest prospects in American soccer.

Her goal not only doubled the lead but also made her the first U.S. player to score their first senior international goal in a SheBelieves Cup match.

Key Moments and Statistics

The U.S. maintained control throughout the match, finishing with a 10-7 advantage in shots and 63% possession. Although Colombia remained competitive, the American defense successfully neutralized their attack, preventing any shots on target.

GOAL SCORING RUNDOWN

Goal
Player (Assist)
Minute

USA
Catarina Macario (Yazmeen Ryan)
33rd

USA
Ally Sentnor (Tara McKeown)
60th

MATCH STATS

Statistic
USA
Colombia

Shots
10
7

Shots on Goal
3
0

Saves
0
1

Corner Kicks
2
4

Fouls
12
14

Offside
2
2

Debuts and Milestones

The match was notable for several player milestones. Three players—McKeown, Cooper, and Gisele Thompson—earned their first senior caps, bringing the total number of USWNT debutants under Hayes to 14.

McKeown became the 270th player in USWNT history, followed by Cooper (271st) and Thompson (272nd).

Additionally, five players—Sentnor, McKeown, Cooper, Ryan, and Thompson—made their first SheBelieves Cup appearances.

Macario’s goal was her ninth for the USWNT, while Ryan, playing in her club stadium, recorded her second international assist.

What’s Next?

With the win, the USWNT sits second in the SheBelieves Cup standings behind Japan, which defeated Australia 4-0 earlier in the day. The tournament continues on February 23 in Glendale, Arizona, where Colombia will face Japan before the U.S. takes on Australia.

2025 SheBelieves Cup Standings After Match Day 1

Team
GP
W
L
D
GF
GA
GD
PTS

Japan
1
1
0
0
4
0
+4
3

USA
1
1
0
0
2
0
+2
3

Colombia
1
0
1
0
0
2
-2
0

Australia
1
0
1
0
0
4
-4
0

With one win secured, the USWNT will look to continue their momentum against Australia, a team they defeated in the bronze medal match at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

As the tournament progresses, the focus will remain on the team’s evolving lineup, the continued rise of young stars, and whether veterans like Macario can reclaim their spot at the heart of the squad.

With an eye on long-term development ahead of the 2027 World Cup, Hayes’ team is proving that a new era of U.S. women’s soccer is taking shape—one that blends established stars with a dynamic new generation.

As Macario celebrates her long-awaited return and Sentnor bursts onto the scene, the SheBelieves Cup is quickly becoming a stage for both redemption and reinvention.