USWNT Claims SheBelieves Cup Title as Alyssa Thompson Nets 82nd-Minute Winner

Alyssa Thompson scored her fourth international goal in the 82nd minute to lead the United States to a 1-0 win over Colombia and the SheBelieves Cup title.

Alyssa Thompson broke a scoreless stalemate in the 82nd minute to propel the United States to a 1-0 victory over Colombia on Saturday at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. This result clinched the eighth SheBelieves Cup victory for the American program across the tournament's 11-year existence. The decisive play materialized when Jaedyn Shaw delivered a precise cross to Thompson, who redirected the ball into the upper corner of the net via the underside of the crossbar. This strike marked the fourth international goal for the Chelsea forward, who was subsequently named the competition’s Most Valuable Player.

The triumph preserved an unblemished record for the U.S. Women’s National Team throughout the round-robin event. Defensively, the squad extended its run of consecutive shutouts to eight matches, a streak dating back to a 3-1 win over Portugal in October. Historically, the Americans now hold a 12-0-2 all-time record against Las Cafeteras. Colombia’s only goals in the history of this matchup occurred during a 2-2 draw at the 2016 Olympic Games.

Saturday's double-header at Sports Illustrated Stadium began with Canada defeating Argentina in a penalty shootout. After a 0-0 draw in regulation, the Canadians prevailed 3-2 on spot-kicks to secure a second-place finish in the standings. Colombia ended the tournament in third place, while Argentina occupied the bottom of the table. The Argentine side failed to record a single goal across their three matches in the competition.

U.S. manager Emma Hayes had to adjust her lineup during the interval when defender Naomi Girma exited the match. The center-back reported calf tightness, necessitating a defensive reshuffle for the second half. Despite the absence of the veteran defender, the American backline prevented Colombia from registering a shot on target that could beat the U.S. keeper. The clean sheet ensured that Thompson’s late-game heroics were sufficient to claim the trophy.

Before the match commenced, the United States Soccer Federation honored Tobin Heath with a formal retirement ceremony. The former midfielder, who earned 181 caps over 13 years, officially stepped away from the sport following a series of knee injuries. Heath’s international career included 36 goals and two FIFA Women’s World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019. Her final appearance for the national team took place in 2021, ending a tenure defined by technical skill and creative playmaking.

Statistical data from the match highlighted the dominance of the American side, which controlled possession for the majority of the 90 minutes. Katherine Tapia, the Colombian goalkeeper, faced a barrage of pressure before finally conceding to Thompson’s strike. The U.S. offense generated multiple opportunities from wide areas, eventually finding the breakthrough via the Shaw-Thompson connection. This specific offensive sequence underscored the tactical emphasis on utilizing wing play to dismantle compact defensive blocks.

The tournament standings concluded with the United States earning nine points from three wins. Canada followed with a record of one win, one draw, and one loss, totaling four points after the shootout tiebreaker. Colombia’s third-place finish was cemented by their inability to find an equalizer in the final ten minutes of Saturday’s contest. Argentina’s goal drought remained the primary storyline for the fourth-placed team, as they struggled to transition from defense to attack throughout the week.

Thompson’s MVP performance was characterized by her efficiency in the final third. Beyond the game-winning goal, her ability to stretch the Colombian defense provided space for teammates like Shaw and Sophia Smith. The 19-year-old’s impact on the tournament was immediate, providing the necessary spark for a team that had struggled to convert chances earlier in the week against Canada. Her goal in Harrison served as the definitive moment of the 2024 campaign.

The defensive metrics for the U.S. remain historically significant. By not conceding a goal in the SheBelieves Cup, the team has now played over 720 minutes of international football without allowing an opponent to score. This defensive solidity has been the foundation of the team's recent success under the current coaching staff. The partnership between the midfield and the defensive line restricted Colombia to sporadic counter-attacks that rarely threatened the American goal.

Looking ahead, the U.S. team will carry this momentum into the next international window with a roster that balanced veteran experience and youth. The emergence of Thompson as a reliable scoring threat adds depth to an attacking rotation that already features established stars. The eighth title in this invitational tournament reinforces the program's dominance in CONCACAF-hosted events. As the players return to their respective clubs, the focus remains on maintaining the defensive standard set during this eight-game shutout streak.