The United States women’s national team played an international friendly match against Colombia at Snapdragon Stadium this Sunday, October 29.

This was the second game that the U.S. played against Colombia this week, previously playing to a scoreless draw against the South American side in Sandy, Utah.

That game was a very frustrating one where Alex Morgan missed a key penalty that had the potential to be the game-winner. The first half of the game at Snapdragon Stadium was similar to the match in Sandy, Utah, as the USWNT wasted some key scoring opportunities.

The clearest scoring play for the U.S. in the opening 45 minutes fell in the 20th minute when a shot by Alex Morgan was stopped by Colombia goalkeeper Natalia Giraldo. Girlado came away with a significant injury on the play, as she was subbed out for Sandra Sepulveda.

The first half ended scoreless in what was a gritty and hard-fought match up to that point. The attack clearly lacked some more explosiveness or creativity on the day. The atmosphere was vibrant, with plenty of support for both teams within the 16,202 present at the Mission Valley Fortress.

Mia Fishel and Jaedyn Shaw came on for Sophia Smith and Alex Morgan at halftime, and these changes generated a spark within the United States attack. The first goal of the match came in the 56th minute when a cross by Emily Sonnett found Mia Fishel inside of the penalty area. The San Diego native headed the ball into the back of the net to give the USWNT a 1-0 lead and to score what was her first-ever goal with the USWNT. The goal was an enormous milestone in the surely successful career ahead for the 22-year-old Chelsea forward.

The second goal of the night for the U.S. came in the 62nd minute when Lindsey Horan scored via a volley off a cross by Emily Fox. Horan had some solid scoring opportunities in the first half and was one of the better players for the USWNT in this match.

.@JaedynShaw11 (18 years and 343 days) is the youngest player to score for the #USWNT since Mallory Swanson scored against Colombia at the 2016 Summer Olympics at 18 years and 102 days of age. pic.twitter.com/vgSNHMjrfX

— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) October 29, 2023

The final goal of the day came in the 83rd minute by San Diego Wave star Jaedyn Shaw, who scored her first-ever international goal in just her second-ever match with the USWNT. The goal came off a beautifully-constructed play between Alyssa Thompson and Shaw, who finished the opportunity perfectly inside of the penalty area.

This was a monumental moment in Shaw’s young career, especially in front of her home-team crowd in San Diego. The game ended 3-0 in the United States’ favor. The San Diego Wave presence in this match was definitely notable, with Alex Morgan and Naomi Girma starting and Jaedyn Shaw coming off the bench and scoring.

Mia Fishel and Jaedyn Shaw clearly made a huge impact when coming on at halftime, as both had memorable displays in front of a San Diego crowd that is very special to both of these players.

Francisco Velasco

Francisco, 26, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego Loyal, San Diego Wave.