The latest edition of the SheBelieves Cup tournament came to a close in Harrison, New Jersey. Colombia and the USWNT arrived with the best momentum. Linda Caicedo and Rose Lavelle were among the main names that featured in the final fixture. The match would also mark a special occasion for the USWNT legend Tobin Heath—a fitting send-off celebration for a two-time World Cup winner and icon of the game. 

Champions once again

 The USWNT arrived as the leader of the tournament after the win against Canada in the latest fixture, and were only a win away from a perfect record in the tournament. With names like Lavelle, Sam Coffey, Trinity Rodman, and Emily Sonnett, they were set to be the dominant team. However, Colombia started the match with an attacking approach. They were able to push forward and got the first real chance of the game after a shot from Manuela Vanegas missed the target after a set piece play. Linda Caicedo was the driving force behind Colombia’s attacking drive. By the 30-minute mark, a sequence of plays by the Real Madrid striker could have changed the game if they were properly executed. 

Had they been successful with their attacking buildup, the story for the second half would have changed completely. The fact that they were able to find spaces on the left side of the field spoke highly of Colombia’s tactical reading of the game. The USWNT, however, managed to remain organized through the first half. You saw Rose Lavelle defending, and good coordination from the backline to properly contain Colombia’s attempts. Yet another opportunity to highlight Emily Sonnette’s experience both in the National team and in the competition. Rose Lavelle, however, would create the first chance on goal for the USWNT in the 42nd minute. While it may have taken some time, that chance was more than enough to send a message and keep the team in the game.

The USWNT took a more offensive approach in the second half. Gaining control of the midfield allowed the team to have more of the ball. Trinity Rodman was able to create more danger on the left side of the pitch. It was an improvement from the first 45 minutes, but manager Emma Hayes looked at the bench to find the missing pieces that would break Colombia’s tactical lock. Lindsey Heaps and Olivia Moultrie both came in by the 61st minute of the game. Their impact was almost immediate. Heaps was able to play as a third striker, and Moultrie was the playmaker at times. This misplaced Colombia’s tactical shape, creating space for players like Alyssa Thompson to get more involved in the offense.

Having Colombia boxed in their own half completely changed the dynamic of the game for the final minutes. The game-winning goal was a direct result of a buildup in midfield from Heaps and Moultrie. Having both of them drop back and aim to attack drew Colombia’s defense to close in on them and leave space for Thompson’s diagonal run, leaving her with enough space to place a top corner shot from outside the box. It may have taken 81 minutes, but it was a fitting end to a very contested match from each side. Olivia Moultrie could have sealed the game with another goal, but her shot missed the target. Nevertheless, it showcased the continued growth of this new generation of players ahead of the upcoming World Cup in Brazil. 

The New Generation

Following the win against Colombia, Manager Emma Hayes gave insights into what’s next for this next generation of players. Her emphasis on continuing to build a committed group of players remains a top priority. While the format of the SheBelieves Cup tournament is short, she still wants the players to build on the fact that they can win something as a group. Hayes also praised the level that the participating teams showcase in each edition of the tournament. The level of competition is what helps elevate both the squad and the level of the game overall. While young, Hayes emphasized that they will now become the source of inspiration for the future members of the USWNT squad.