Olympics: USA women's soccer wins Group G despite Solo's miscues vs. Colombia
The Americans have won their group despite another less-than-impressive showing
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2 min read
The U.S. women's national team still hasn't lost in 2016 or at the Summer Olympics, but it had to settle for a 2-2 draw with Colombia in their final Group G match on Tuesday in Manaus. The result still sees the USWNT win the group, but two errors from Hope Solo saw the South Americans get more than anyone thought they would from this match.
Solo had a horrific blunder in the first half as the ball went through her legs on a free kick from Catalina Usme, only to then surrender another goal off a set piece to Usme, this one in stoppage time to cancel out Mallory Pugh's goal that gave the U.S. the advantage.
Looking like the better team throughout, the U.S. drew level late in the first half as Crystal Dunn scored a tap in off a shot from Carli Lloyd, and it was a goal that was coming after a fine spell from the favorites.
Only needing a draw to advance, the U.S. fought and fought, getting the ball into the attacking third time and time again, as Pugh scored on 59 minutes. The Colorado native picked up a loose ball on the right side of the box, took a couple touches towards the middle and fired low into the left side for the 2-1 advantage. The goal saw Pugh become the youngest Olympic goalscorer in the nation's history.
In her debut year, @MalPugh scores her fourth international goal. First Olympic score in her 16th cap. pic.twitter.com/lbd3KWLHdc
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) August 9, 2016
Looking to bounce back, Colombia hit the crossbar again and then got a late free kick from a really tight angle, which Usme somehow put past Solo at the far post in the 90th minute.
The result was enough but still disappointing for the gold medal favorites, who haven't been overly impressive in the tournament, despite not losing and allowing just two goals in three games. Now, they move on.
As group winners, the U.S. will play either Australia, China or Sweden on Friday in the quarterfinals.
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Last time out: The United States beat France 1-0, while Colombia lost to New Zealand 1-0.
NEXT... #Olympics#teamusapic.twitter.com/wheIZ6KXqq
— Carli Lloyd (@CarliLloyd) August 7, 2016
Standings: The USWNT tops Group G, while Colombia sits at the bottom, having not scored a goal nor earned a point.
| Group G | GP | W | D | L | GD | PTS | |
 | USA* | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 |
 | France | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
 | New Zealand | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 3 |
 | Colombia | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -5 | 0 |
What's at stake: Well, there is more on the line for Colombia than the U.S. The Americans are already qualified for the quarterfinals, while Colombia is going to have to win and hope other results go their way to have a chance of advancing. It's still possible, but its -5 goal differential is going to be tricky to overcome.
Still perfect: The United States still hasn't lost in 2016, winning 17 matches and drawing one. Not too shabby.
Carli killin' it: U.S. soccer star Carli Lloyd has -- as imagined -- been the star and hero. In two games at the Olympics, she has two goals, and both have been the game winners.
What to know about Colombia: The team is ranked No. 24 in the world and lost to New Zealand 1-0, who the U.S. had little trouble with. Midfielder Natalia Gaitan is one to watch. The Valencia midfielder is quick on the ball and leads the Colombians with her creativity.
Recent history: The U.S. has played Colombia twice this year, both in friendlies. And, well, it wasn't pretty. The U.S. beat Colombia 7-0 on April 6 and then 3-0 on April 10.
Prediction: USA 4, Colombia 0.
Schedule: 2016 Summer Olympics women's soccer schedule.
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