The U.S. women’s national team only needs a point from this match against Colombia to ensure top spot in Group G. That means head coach Jill Ellis can afford to rest some key personnel like stars Alex Morgan and Carli Lloyd, who’s scored in the team’s first two games.
But even if they do make some changes to the starting lineup, the Americans’ second-stringers should still have more than enough attacking talent to take on Colombia’s defense. Remember, this was a Colombia team which the USWNT trounced 7-0 and 3-0 in back-to-back friendlies back in April. Morgan did not even feature in either game, while defender Julie Johnston had two goals in their second meeting.
As for the Colombians, their Olympic run will be over unless they can pull off an improbable win. But to do that, they’ll have to do something they have yet to do in these Olympics: score. Las Cafeteras have been shut out in their first two matches – a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of France, and a 1-0 defeat to New Zealand.
They did manage to edge out possession and match the Football Ferns in terms of shots, but they still don’t appear to have the weapons to put a dent in the American defense.
The USWNT’s run of otherworldly defending continues. With another clean sheet secured against France – thanks in large part to the heroics of goalie Hope Solo – the world champions have now given up just four goals in the 17 games they’ve played in 2016. That’s one goal every 380 or so minutes, which is just unfair.
At this point, what else is there to say? If the French, who seemingly have all the fantastic players one would need to finally crack the American defense, couldn’t accomplish it, then what chance does Colombia have? Not good, that’s for sure.
Writer’s Prediction: The USWNT completes a perfect group stage by beating Colombia. But it takes its foot off the gas a bit and wins 3-0, with the total going under 3.5 goals.
