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Two games into the Summer Olympics and the USWNT have already reached the quarter-finals. Earlier today, the United States took on Colombia, defeating the country 3-0. Don't let the score fool you though, the Colombians gave the US a run for their money all match long. Despite a lack of shots from Colombia, their squad played strong defensively, making tackles and blocking a barrage of shots from the USWNT. Both squads were also responsible for playing some pretty dirty football, and despite the lack of any cards in the match, there should have been three or four, especially when Abby Wambach got knocked in the face, bruising up her eye.
Despite getting knocked around by the Colombians, the US Women managed to pick up another impressive victory, this time led by Megan Rapinoe, who opened the scoring up for her squad. The usual spark coming from the dynamic duo of Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan was unusually quiet today, leading the way for Rapinoe to take the reigns on both offense and defense. With her one goal in the first half, the second half went scoreless into the dying embers of the match.
That was until Abby Wambach scored a much needed second goal in the 74th with Colombia pressing hard. Three minutes later, Tobin Heath put the icing on the cake with the USA's third goal. This match really proved how much of a team this particular USWNT squad really is. When your two big stars don't have monster games, it's nice to see that other players can take the lead from time to time.
Even with the win, the Colombian defense shut down a lot of key USWNT players, including Alex Morgan, who these days is almost guaranteed to score a goal in every match. Instead, "Baby Horse" was completely locked down, unable to break free from her markers. Near the end of the match, the frustration Morgan was feeling was clearly visible.
The quarter-finals will begin August 3rd from St. James park, but first the USWNT team will play their last Group Stage match against Korea DPR on July 31st from legendary Old Trafford in Manchester. To clinch a first place berth, the USWNT need to either tie or win the match. The broadcast will be on NBC Sports Network at 12:15 p.m. and as always, if you can't watch live, tune into the Brotherly Game on twitter @brotherlygame for live match updates.