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Sophia Smith scores twice as USWNT blanks Colombia

Jun 25, 2022; Commerce City, Colorado, USA; USA forward Mallory Pugh (9) brings the ball up field against Colombia during an international friendly soccer match at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: John Leyba-USA TODAY Sports
John Leyba-USA TODAY Sports

Sophia Smith broke a scoreless tie with two second-half goals as the U.S. women’s national team defeated Colombia 3-0 in a friendly in Commerce City, Colo., on Saturday.

Smith scored in the 54th and 60th minute off assists from Rose Lavelle for a 2-0 lead. In her national team debut, Taylor Kornieck later scored on a header in the 90th minute off a free kick by Megan Rapinoe.

Colombia goalkeeper Catalina Perez stopped two penalty kicks among her five saves.

The U.S. extended its home unbeaten streak to 61 wins and seven draws. During that span, the Americans have outscored opponents 258-28. In the past 30 matches on U.S. soil, they have produced a 128-4 scoring margin.

The teams play again Tuesday in Sandy, Utah.

On the Smith goals, Lavelle created a turnover near the center circle and was able to laser a pass between defenders to reach Smith in stride.

On the first goal, Perez came off her line, allowing Smith to sneak a shot by her. On the second, Smith got Perez to go to the ground and lifted a shot over the prone keeper.

The U.S. put itself in a position to take a lead into halftime, outshooting Colombia 12-0 and forcing Perez into three saves, the most impressive coming in the 45th minute when she stopped a penalty kick by Lindsey Horan.

Smith, from Windsor, Colo., drew the foul by Carolina Arias when she dribbled down the left side of the box and was tripped. Horan then went to the spot and targeted the low left corner, but Perez read the attempt and made the save.

Arias was guilty again in the 69th minute, this time fouling Alex Morgan. Lavelle took the penalty and went for the same spot as Horan, but Perez was up for the task once again.

Things went smoother for U.S keeper Casey Murphy, who faced no shots on goal.

–Field Level Media

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