The United States women’s national team won their fifth SheBelieves Cup with a 2-0 victory over Iceland on Wednesday night. Catarina Macario was the star of the finale match, scoring two goals from distance.
On her first goal, Macario dribbled in a face-off with Icelandic defender Glodis Perla Viggosdottir, taking the ball with her right foot for the shot at the corner of the penalty area. The ball curved and went past goalkeeper Sandra Siguroardottir. Leading up to the goal, the United States had a majority of possession, but Iceland were generating a few chances.
GOOOOOOOOOAL!!! A banger from Catarina Macario gives the #USWNT the lead! #USAvISL | 1-0 pic.twitter.com/Cz2z5XZUEA— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) February 24, 2022
Macario wasn’t finished in the first half. Right before the halftime whistle blew, Macario unleashed another shot within the box, up and over the Iceland defense and goalkeeper.
Catarina Macario said "I got this!" That's a brace for her! #USAvISL | 2-0 pic.twitter.com/U41AuSEAtE
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) February 24, 2022
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) February 24, 2022
Mallory Pugh got on the scoresheet in the 60th minute, and followed up with a brace in the 75th minute. Macario assisted the second goal, running down the middle of the pitch with Pugh and then dishing the ball off, unselfishly, to the Chicago Red Stars striker.
Teamwork makes the dream work! Catarina Macario dishes off to Mallory Pugh for the fourth #USWNT goal tonight! #USAvISL | 4-0 pic.twitter.com/KzbvSez5pL
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) February 24, 2022
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) February 24, 2022
The chance for the first hat-trick in SheBelieves Cup history was unrealized as Vlatko Andonovski substituted his entire forward front line in the 80th minute. Macario, Pugh and Sophia Smith were replaced by Ashley Hatch, Lynn Williams and Margaret Purce.
As the second half wound down, the United States got a fifth and final goal — appropriate for their fifth SheBelieves Cup title — from Kristie Mewis, off an assist from Purce. Both players will feature for Gotham FC this season, as Mewis was traded during the National Women’s Soccer League offseason.
New Zealand 0, Czech Republic 0
New Zealand and the Czech Republic were up first, and battled but ended in a 0-0 draw. The Czech Republic had more opportunities on goal, with four of their shots threatening New Zealand goalkeeper Victoria Esson. Meanwhile, the Football Ferns, who will co-host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with Australia, took seven shots, but none on goal to threaten Barbora Votíková.
The best chance came in the waning minutes of the second half, but the offside flag was thrown up by the assistant referee.
The Czech Republic is knocking, but this chance was ruled offside on an earlier run.#NZLvCZE | 0-0 pic.twitter.com/OLGDrBizQQ
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) February 24, 2022
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) February 24, 2022
More...