Catarina Macario’s long-awaited return to the scoresheet and Ally Sentnor’s incredible first senior international goal powered the U.S. Women’s National Team to a 2-0 victory over Colombia in their opening game of the 2025 SheBelieves Cup at Houston’s Shell Energy Stadium.

The win marked a promising start of the year for head coach Emma Hayes, who used the match to blend new faces with seasoned players, while exploring fresh tactical ideas.

The USWNT, who boasts seven SheBelieves Cup titles, kicked off the tournament with a composed performance in front of 15,043 fans. Macario opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, converting Yazmeen Ryan’s precise cross with a close-range finish. The goal—her ninth for the national team—was her first since recovering from a torn ACL suffered in 2022. It was Macario’s just second USWNT match in three years, but she was able to display her usual incisive attacking qualities through sharp passing and vision in this test against Colombia.

Sentnor doubled the lead in the 60th minute with a spectacular moment of brilliance. Receiving the ball in space, the reigning U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year cut inside from the left and unleashed a thunderous 27-yard strike. It was the perfect way for the 19-year-old Sentnor to showcase her high potential, and she made the most of her opportunity in the absence of established forwards like Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman.

The match also saw Hayes debut three players: defender Tara McKeown, who impressed as a starter, and substitutes Michelle Cooper and Gisele Thompson. McKeown partnered with distinguished veteran Emily Sonnett in a defense that restricted Colombia to zero shots on target. Lily Yohannes, a first-time starter in midfield, stood out with her poised and incisive passing, helping the team control 63% of possession.

Colombia started the game confidently with stars Linda Caicedo and Leicy Santos pulling the strings, but they were unable to trouble U.S. goalkeeper Jane Campbell at all.

The USA now turns its eyes to Sunday’s clash against Australia in Glendale, Arizona, as it continues its quest for an eighth SheBelieves title.

Photography by: Kyros Morales