The U.S. Women's National Team kicked off their 2025 SheBelieves Cup campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Colombia in Houston, marked by the triumphant return of Catarina Macario and a stellar debut from 17-year-old midfielder Lily Yohannes.
Macario, who hadn't scored for the USWNT since April 12, 2022, made an emotional return to international scoring form. Her goal came from a brilliant build-up play, with Yohannes finding Yazmeen Ryan, who provided the assist for Macario's finish. The moment clearly meant everything to Macario, who has battled through a lengthy injury layoff.
"That was surreal, seriously," Macario told TNT post-match, fighting back emotions. "I just felt like it was a big weight off my shoulders. Just so happy, so thrilled, to be scoring for the national team again, to be playing again... just be having fun, really. It means the whole world." She went on to describe her comeback as "probably the hardest thing I've ever done in my life," reflecting on the numerous setbacks and moments of doubt during her recovery.
The evening's other highlight came from Ally Sentnor, who marked her first USWNT start with a spectacular long-range strike. The 2024 U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year couldn't have dreamed of a better way to open her international scoring account.
The match also showcased the remarkable talent of Lily Yohannes, who demonstrated maturity beyond her 17 years in midfield. Her distribution and game control were exceptional, consistently finding teammates with precise passes throughout the match. Her performance suggests she could be a transformative presence in the USWNT's midfield going forward.
Defensively, the team looked solid, with Emily Fox effectively containing Colombian star Linda Caicedo, while Jenna Nighswonger was particularly active down the left flank, coming close to scoring when she struck the crossbar from a corner kick. Emily Sonnett, honored for her 100th cap, provided steady leadership at the back despite one challenging moment against Mayra Ramirez.
The victory extends Emma Hayes's unbeaten run as USWNT head coach to 16 matches. Notable debuts were handed to several players, including Michelle Cooper and Gisele Thompson, as Hayes continues to blend youth with experience in her squad evolution.
The win was particularly impressive considering the absence of the "Triple Espresso" attacking trio of Sophia Wilson, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson. Instead, new faces stepped up to deliver the goals and creativity needed to break down a stubborn Colombian defense.
This performance, highlighted by Macario's emotional return and Yohannes's midfield masterclass, suggests the USWNT's future remains bright as they continue their journey under Hayes's leadership in the 2025 SheBelieves Cup.
