- Horan, Nighswonger, and Shaw all scored their goals in the first half of the game
- A testy affair saw a combined 31 fouls and seven yellow cards – but no red cards
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In an intense 90 minutes of action in Los Angeles, the United States women’s national team defeated Colombia 3-0 to advance to the semifinals of the CONCACAF W Gold Cup.
All three goals came in the first half, beginning with a penalty from captain Lindsey Horan – followed up less than ten minutes later by a blast from defender Jenna Nighswonger.
A goal in added time from Jaedyn Shaw saw the Americans take a 3-0 lead in the first half that they wouldn’t give up.
Colombia managed just three shots on target, making it relatively easy work for Alyssa Naeher – who kept a clean sheet in her 100th cap for the USWNT.
But the game was a testy affair. Referee Marianela Araya distributed seven yellow cards but did not send anyone off in a violent fixture.
USWNT captain Lindsey Horan (10) scored an opening penalty leading her team to a 3-0 win
Goals two and three came from Jenna Nighswonger (L) and Jaedyn Shaw (R)
It was a testy affair – with a combined 31 fouls and seven yellow cards between the two sides
USWNT veteran Alex Morgan looked like she was ready to fight two Colombia players at once in a video posted to Twitter.
Late in the game, American striker Sophia Smith fell victim to a vicious high-low tackle that did not result in any sending off.
The two teams combined for 31 fouls – with Colombia taking a 16-15 advantage in that department.
Next up for the United States is CONCACAF rivals Canada in a semifinal played in San Diego.
The winner of that game will advance to the final, where they will take on the winner of Mexico and Brazil.