The United States Women's National Team will be looking to extend their perfect record against Colombia on Sunday at Talen Energy Stadium.
Wednesday Still Fresh for Colombia
The Yanks now have a (W-D-L) 4-0-0 record after defeating the Colombians 7-0 on Wednesday at the Rentschler Field. Now the two sides will face each other again on Sunday to close out the April friendly series. Los Cafeteros will have to put Wednesday's disaster behind them quickly since they face each other again on Sunday.
On Wednesday Colombia’s midfield and defense was completely overrun by the Americans offense. The South Americans spent the majority of the game chasing the United States around the pitch.
The United States rapid and precise ball movement tired out the Colombians. The South Americans looked exhausted and the only strategy they had to potentially slow down the USWNT was by fouling them. Los Cafeteros ended up being called for 18 fouls and picked up two yellow cards by the end of the game.
However, their physical approach did not slow down or bother Tobin Heath, captain Carli Lloyd, Lindsey Horan, speedster Crystal Dunn, teenager Mallory Pugh and Allie Long. In result, the U.S. created 26 shots and placed 14 of them on target.
USA's defense was not tested that much in the match. However, whenever Colombia did manage to slip pass the American midfield they were there to squash it. Los Cafeteros struggled to fire off six shots and only of two of them were on target. U.S. veteran Hope Solo was able to stop both shots and keep the South Americans off the scoreboard. Solo and the American defense have only allowed one goal in ten matches played in 2016.
The Two Countries Are On Different Levels
Colombia has so much to improve and have very little time to do it. Their national team is also barely playing their second match since the 2015 Pan American Games that took place in late July. As for the Americans this match will be their 20th since their 5-2 final victory against Japan in the 2015 Women's World Cup on July the fifth in BC Place.
The USWNT have won 17 of those match and have outscored their opponents 79 to six. The Americans defense has gained 14 shutouts in the process. The United States are in rhythm as Los Cafeteros are still attempting to get their feet wet.
The only way Colombia wins this match is if the Americans have a complete meltdown and score a few own goals. For U.S. head coach Jill Ellis, the only change she should make if any, is to start Alex Morgan, if she is healthy. If she can't go then keep the same starting lineup as on Wednesday. No need to change what worked so well in the previous match. Plus, with the 2016 Summer Olympics Games in Rio just around the corner, Ellis will benefit from letting the same 11 to start building chemistry.