USA Vs. Colombia: Final Score, USWNT Cruise In 3-0 Victory

The United States women are through to the quarterfinals of the London 2012 Olympics women’s soccer tournament, and will only need a draw in their final match of the group stage to win their group. It took them until late in the first half to score their first goal, but they were comfortably in command for the entirety of their 3-0 victory over Colombia.

The game was a rematch of a World Cup group stage match from last year, which the United States won by the same score. It played out in very similar fashion, and even featured two of the same goal scorers. Rapinoe opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, curling an excellent shot over the outstretched hand of Colombian goalkeeper Sandra Sepulveda from 20 yards out. Sepulveda is just 5’5”, and it appeared that a taller goalkeeper would have been able to make the save.

It took until the 74th minute for the United States to finish off the match and solidify their lead, but they did it in impressive fashion. Alex Morgan started the move by deflecting a 50-50 ball into the path of Abby Wambach, who played a one-two exchange with substitute Tobin Heath. Wambach beat her defender to Heath’s return ball 12 yards from goal and poked a finish past Sepulveda to make it 2-0.

Three minutes later, Carli Lloyd scored her second goal of the tournament, assisted by Rapinoe with a fantastic through ball for her third assist of the tournament. In addition to her goal, Lloyd was excellent defensively in midfield in place of Shannon Boxx, and rivaled Rapinoe for player of the match honors.

The United States close out their group stage campaign against North Korea, who will have a lot to play for. They may be able to progress to the quarterfinals with a loss, but may need a point to avoid a top seeded team in the quarterfinals.