After a 4-0 win in their first match against Colombia earlier this week, the U.S. Women’s National Team is facing the young South American side again tonight. The game kicks off at 4 PM PT on ESPN2 and will stream on the ESPN platform.

OL Reign forward Megan Rapinoe earned an assist in the 4th minute of her first match in a little over 10 months, with a sneaky run into her favored spot on the left wing. Rapinoe went 45 minutes in the USWNT win. Midfielder Rose Lavelle, whose NWSL rights sit with the Reign but who is signed with Manchester City for the time being, came on in the 64th minute.

USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski indicated that there will be significant rotation for today’s match. Forwards Mal Pugh and Sophia Smith are out with mild injuries, which means Rapinoe is likely to get minutes — even if she doesn’t start.

Colombia is currently ranked 26th in the world and second in South America behind Brazil. Only eight players on Colombia’s roster have more than 20 caps. They brought nine teenagers to Florida for this two-game series.

Despite the scoreline in their earlier match, Colombia showed fight and potential. They tried to stay organized and remained committed defensively until the final whistle. The scoreline is even more impressive considering the women’s national team had to invest in a private flight to get to the game and had four players ruled out before the game due to COVID-19 protocols. Goalkeeper Sandra Sepúlveda was determined to keep Carli Lloyd off the scoresheet, blocking and saving a number of her shots.

While the USWNT were dominant in the match, Andonovski knows his team can be much, much better. The U.S. players have been practicing an aggressive press, something Reign fans are familiar with under Andonovski’s tenure. Andonovski also said he wants to see a more sophisticated attack, particularly in front of goal.

Lineups

Rapinoe gets another start!

Colombia lineup: Sandra Sepúlveda, Nancy Acosta, Daniela Arias, Jorelyn Carabalí, Carolina Arias, Ana Huertas, Jessica Caro, Orianica Velásquez, Daniela Montoya, Diana Ospina, Caralina Usme

Subs: Natalia Giraldo, Valentina Gonzalez, Kelly Ibarguen, Maria Camila Reyes, Kena Romero, Gisela Robledo, Ingrid Guerra, Manuela Pavi, Kelly Caicedo, Linda Caicedo, Liana Salazar

Highlights

3’ - Goal, Catarina Macario! In her first start for the U.S.

35’ - Goal, Rapinoe! An awkward deflection, but a goal nonetheless.

44’ - Pinoe doesn’t miss PKs!

60’ - Lynn Williams makes it 4-0

73’ - Lindsey Horan puts the U.S. up 5-0 off a Crystal Dunn assist

86’ - Midge Purce gets her first goal for the USWNT!

And that’s that. The U.S. will be back in action for the SheBelieves Cup in mid-February.

How to Watch

Date/Time: Friday, January 22, 4 PM PT

Location: Exploria Stadium, Orlando, FL

TV: ESPN2

Streaming: ESPN

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