FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011, USA Vs. Colombia: U.S. Women Take 1-0 Lead Into Halftime

The United States women have a one goal lead at halftime of their second group stage game of the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, but their performance has been much better than the scoreboard suggests. The U.S. women have absolutely taken Colombia to the cleaners so far, but their finishing has let them down. That is, from everyone except for Heather O’Reilly, who scored the only goal of the game so far.

O’Reilly’s goal came in the 11th minute, and it was an absolute stunner. From her right wing position, 30-35 yards away from goal, O’Reilly let go of an absolute rip of a shot. The ball looked like it was on a rope as it sailed into the side netting at the far post, giving the USWNT a lead and O’Reilly the goal of the tournament so far.

The two strikers for the U.S., Abby Wambach and Amy Rodriguez, are having poor games despite looking dangerous. Both have had numerous scoring opportunities that they have squandered, and between them they should probably have four goals in this match. Colombia has actually gotten out on the break a couple of times, only to be foiled by the pace of Christie Rampone in defense, so the USWNT should probably net a second goal sooner rather than later to feel comfortable about this match. They’re dominating possession, but Colombia look dangerous. They had a goal disallowed for offside in the 45th minute, giving the United States a bit of a scare.