EDMONTON, Canada (June 22, 2015) - The U.S. Women's National Team recorded its third consecutive shutout to blank Colombia 2-0 in the Round of 16 at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup and book its ticket to the tournament Quarterfinals.
Alex Morgan and Carli Lloyd scored in the second half to give the USA the lead and lift the team past Las Cafeteras. It was Morgan's and Lloyd's first goals since they both scored at the 2015 Algarve Cup in March.
Hope Solo and the USA back line have now shut out opponents for 333 straight minutes in this year's World Cup. Solo also earned her 174th cap, the most by a goalkeeper in U.S. history, surpassing Briana Scurry (173 caps; 1994-2008).
The USA dominated much of the match in the first half with a couple of good chances, but it was not until the second frame until it converted those chances to goals.
In the 47th minute, he referee showed Catalina Perez a straight red card and called a penalty kick in favor of the USA after Colombia's goalkeeper took down Morgan at the top of the penalty area. Abby Wambach stepped up to take it but shot wide left and the score remained 0-0 until Morgan's strike six minutes later. Lloyd then sealed the win with a cooly taken PK in the 66th minute.
The WNT continues it World Cup quest against China PR on Friday, June 26, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Quarterfinal will take place at Lansdowne Stadium in Ottawa, Canada. The game will be broadcast live on FOX and NBC Universo. Fans can also follow in-game updates on Twitter (@ussoccer_wnt and @ussoccer_esp).
In the other Round of 16 matchups, Germany beat Sweden 4-1, while China PR won 1-0 against Cameroon on Saturday. A day later, Australia eliminated Brazil with a 1-0 win, France advanced after a 3-0 win over Korea Republic and host nation Canada downed Switzerland 1-0. Earlier today, England came back to defeat Norway 2-1 and secure its spot in the Quarterfinals. Seven of the eight teams have now been decided with only the winner of Japan vs. Netherlands left to be determined.
Goal Scoring Rundown:
USA - Alex Morgan (Ali Krieger), 53rd minute: Ali Krieger was able to slip the ball past the defense to Alex Morgan, who was just outside the right side of the box. Morgan took a couple of touches and ran inside where she sent a right-footed strike toward goal. Colombia's goalkeeper Stefany Castaño got a hand on it but deflected it up and into the goal for the USA's first goal of the game and Morgan's first World Cup goal since the 2011 tournament final against Japan. USA 1, COL 0
USA - Carli Lloyd (penalty), 66th minute: After Megan Rapinoe was fouled by Angela Clavijo inside the box, the referee pointed to the penalty spot in favor of the USA. Carli Lloyd stepped up to take the shot and sent a perfect attempt to the middle right of the net as Stefany Castaño jumeped the wrong way for the USA's second of the game. SEE GOAL USA 2, COL 0 (FINAL)
Key Saves and Defensive Stops:
COL - Catalina Perez, 4th minute (save): The USA mounted an early attack when Tobin Heath got inside the box and fired a shot from eight yards out. Colombia's Catalina Perez was alert however and leaned to her left to barely keep the ball out of the net with her palm. The ball wasn't fully cleared out of danger and Abby Wambach tapped it in for a goal but the assistant referee had the flag up for offside.
COL - Catalina Perez, 28th minute (save): A ball played into the box by Lauren Holiday sailed over a group of players and right towards Alex Morgan, who was waiting in the middle. Morgan gave it a slight touch with her head to send it towards the top of the net but Perez jumped in time to tap it over the crossbar.
COL - Natalia Gaitan, 38th minute (save): Megan Rapinoe cut the ball to her right foot and whipped a pass towards the six-yard box. The U.S. was in great position to make a play but Colombia's captain Natalia Gaitan got there first to clear it out with a great header.
COL - Stefany Castaño, 75th minute (save): Carli Lloyd had some nifty moves in the midfield and positioned herself at the top of the box, sending a missile shot straight for the net. Castaño was quick to the attempt and jumped on the ball to grab it and avoid any danger.
Next on the Schedule: The WNT will meet China PR on Friday, June 26 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Lansdowne Stadium in Ottawa, Canada.
Broadcast information: FOX; NBC Universo
Social: Twitter (@ussoccer_wnt; @ussoccer_esp); Facebook; Instagram
Milestone Watch:
- Hope Solo recorded her 87th career shutout. It was the third straight World Cup clean sheet for the USA, and Solo's eighth in World Cup play, the second most by a U.S. goalkeeper behind Brianna Scurry (10).
- Solo tied Briana Scurry for most wins by a U.S. goalkeeper with 133.
- Solo has the most starts by a WNT goalkeeper with 168. Solo is also in 10thplace on the WNT's all-time starts list and behind ninth place Carli Lloyd, who earned her 171st start in tonight's game.
- Carli Lloyd earned her 199th cap today and could hit the 200 mark if she plays during the Quarterfinal match against China PR on June 26. She would become the 10th player in U.S. history to reach that mark and the fourth on the current roster. Christie Rampone, Abby Wambach and Heather O'Reilly are the other three.