Friendlies Women· Season 2026
Colombia U20 W beat USA U20 W 1-0 in Fayetteville, Georgia, as Mariana Silva's 22nd-minute goal and Jimena Ospina's nine saves defied 25 USA shots in the final pre-World Cup friendly.
Match Videos
Match Analysis
AI SummaryHow it unfolded
The USA started with ten college players and just one NWSL representative — Racing Louisville forward Audrey McKeen — and immediately took control. Notre Dame midfielder Lily Joseph had a point-blank chance in the 10th minute from Jaida McGrew's cross, but Ospina smothered it.
Against the run of play, Colombia struck in the 22nd minute. Catalina Cortes crossed from deep on the right flank, finding Silva unmarked at the penalty spot. The midfielder's first-time shot skidded low into the right corner past Caroline Birkel.
Despite the USA outshooting Colombia 12-2 in the first half, they went in trailing at the break.
Head coach Vicky Jepson made six changes at half-time, introducing four NWSL players, including Bay FC winger Onyeka Gamero and Kansas City Current defender Katie Scott. The USA dominated the second half territorially but could not break through.
Stanford midfielder Y-Lan Nguyen forced a kick-save from Ospina in the 48th minute. Scott smashed a shot off the crossbar from close range in the 55th after a goalmouth scramble. Louisville defender Ella Bard shot just wide in the 68th from a well-worked set piece. Virginia's Addison Halpern headed straight at Ospina a minute later.
Alex Buck had a header bounce wide in the 79th, then forced a diving save from Ospina in the 87th. With around two minutes of stoppage time remaining, the game was halted for lightning and subsequently abandoned.
The turning point
Colombia's 22nd-minute goal, scored on just their second touch in the USA box, was the defining moment. The USA's 25-2 shot advantage and 5-0 corner count meant nothing against a disciplined Colombian block, and Ospina's nine saves kept the USA at bay. Jepson's half-time reshuffle — swapping in NWSL regulars for college players — sharpened the USA's attack but could not solve Ospina.
Key performers
Mariana Silva (Colombia) — Scored the match-winner with a composed first-time finish and later drew a yellow card for a tactical foul. Her 22nd-minute strike was Colombia's only shot on target.
Jimena Ospina (Colombia) — Made nine saves, including crucial stops from Joseph (10'), Nguyen (48'), Buck (87') and a kick-save from close range. The Colombia goalkeeper's performance earned her player of the match honours.
Katie Scott (USA) — The Kansas City Current defender introduced at half-time, hitting the crossbar in the 55th minute and delivering dangerous set pieces. A lively 44-minute cameo.
Onyeka Gamero (USA) — The Bay FC winger caused problems down the left after half-time, initiating a goalmouth scramble in the 53rd minute that Colombia just managed to clear.
By the numbers — interpreted
The USA's 25-2 shot advantage (10-2 on target) and 5-0 corner count paint a picture of total dominance that the scoreline flatly contradicts. Colombia's expected goals approach was minimal — they scored with their only shot on target — but their defensive organisation was exceptional. The USA's 1-9 save ratio (Birkel made one save, Ospina nine) underlines the asymmetry: the USA created volume without clinical edge, while Colombia were ruthless with their single opportunity. The match being called off early for lightning (87th minute) denied the USA a full five minutes of stoppage time.
What it means
This was the final training camp match for the USA before the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Poland. The USA had drawn 1-1 with England on 9 July at the same venue. Jepson now selects 21 players for the tournament.
The USA open Group D on 6 September against Italy in Lodz, then face Japan (9 September) and New Zealand (12 September). Colombia, who will also compete in Poland, are in Group E with North Korea, Portugal and Costa Rica.
Verdict
A classic smash-and-greet friendly. The USA's superiority in possession and chance creation was absolute, but Colombia's defensive discipline and Ospina's excellence secured a deserved win on the counter. Jepson will have learned more about her squad's depth — and her team's finishing — than any comfortable victory would have revealed.
Match Events
Key match events between United States U20 W and Colombia U20 W — 1 goal and 0 cards recorded during the match.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 20 Jul 2026