The United States Women’s National Team secured its eighth SheBelieves Cup by defeating Colombia. Alyssa Thompson scored the decisive goal in the 82nd minute, sealing both the match and the tournament.
The match was challenging, with Colombia’s aggressive play causing issues for the U.S. team. Linda Caicedo from Real Madrid and Leicy Santos from the Washington Spirit stood out in the first half. Their energetic and tactical play effectively challenged the U.S. midfield.
In the 31st minute, Santos executed a clever backheel pass to forward Maitane Lopez after nutmegging Lily Yohannes. Although Emily Sonnett intervened, it highlighted the threat posed by Colombia.
In the first half, Colombia outshot the United States eight to three. U.S. attackers, including Trinity Rodman, Ally Sentnor, and Rose Lavelle, struggled to find space for effective teamwork. Rodman took on a deeper role, allowing Emily Fox to push forward, but the U.S. lacked urgency and connection in their passing.
At halftime, Hayes acknowledged the team was not performing at their best but emphasized the need to improve.
The introduction of Emma Sears, Lindsey Heaps, Jaedyn Shaw, and Olivia Moultrie in the 58th minute revitalized the game, increasing intensity and control for the U.S.
The substitutes significantly impacted the match’s tempo, especially for Thompson and Sam Coffey.
Post-match, Hayes commended her bench players, stating the victory was achieved “from the bench.”
Sears proved to be a constant threat on the right side, using her physicality and speed to challenge Colombia’s defense. Although a strong play between Sears and Shaw in the 76th minute led to a cross, it wasn’t converted.
The breakthrough came late in the match. All four substitutes contributed to the sequence leading to Thompson’s goal. Sears gained possession, passed to Heaps, who then found Shaw in the box, setting up Thompson for the decisive shot.
Despite being a friendly tournament, the victory brought significant relief and joy to the team.
This win marks a significant achievement for Hayes, marking her first SheBelieves Cup title. The U.S. team was the runner-up to Japan in the 2025 edition.
The win caps over a year of experimentation, with a high number of player rotations and debuts. Remarkably, this was the first instance since the 2024 Summer Olympics Gold Medal match where Hayes made only two changes from her last lineup.
Even amid first-half struggles, the U.S. defense held strong throughout the game. Sonnett was crucial in preventing Colombian scoring opportunities and aiding in building attacks from the back. She has represented the U.S. in all 11 editions of the SheBelieves Cup.
Naomi Girma was substituted at halftime due to calf stiffness, replaced effectively by Tara Rudd, who managed to keep Caicedo at bay and distribute well from the back.
Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce faced just one shot on target, and the 1-0 victory extended the U.S. shutout streak to eight matches, dating back to October 2025. Remarkably, a different defensive lineup has started in each of those matches.
While still not finalized, a clearer picture of Hayes’ ideal team is emerging ahead of the November 2027 FIFA World Cup qualifying.
The U.S. faced three unique challenges in this tournament, and with NWSL players currently in preseason training, a tougher test awaits as they prepare for a series of friendly matches against Japan in April.
For now, the U.S. team can celebrate successfully navigating this tournament.