<p>The United States Women’s National Team (<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/uswnt-tv-schedule/">USWNT</a>) defeated South American side Colombia to reach the semifinals of the W Gold Cup. Goals from Lindsey Horan, Jenna Nighswonger and Jaedyn Shaw, all in the first half, led to a comfortable victory. Moreover, it was a major bounce back from <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/mexico-defeats-uswnt-in-w-gold-cup-for-historic-result-20240227-WST-491788.html">a poor showing against Mexico</a> to close the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/2024-concacaf-w-gold-cup-schedule-and-venues-revealed-20231130-WST-474061.html">group stage</a>. That 2-0 loss made the quarterfinal clash more challenging, but a strong performance on Sunday righted any wrongs. </p>



<p>The first-half display demonstrated all that this USWNT can do right. Despite the criticism for the World Cup exit in 2023 and the second-ever loss against Mexico, this game returned the USWNT to elite status. Credit that to interim head coach Twila Kilgore’s move to make six changes to her starting lineup compared to the Mexico game. An inspired performance shrugged off the Colombians’ physical playing style that brought success in the group stage. Aggressive pressing from the USWNT played a key role in delivering a crucial early lead. </p>



<p>Lindsey Horan won the ball in the final third and she slipped in Alex Morgan. Colombian defender Jorelyn Carabali brought Morgan down in the box, and the United States had a penalty in the first 15 minutes. Horan stepped up and buried the penalty. Fewer than 10 minutes later, the USWNT doubled its lead via Jenna Nighswonger. The defender’s second goal for the USMNT came after a clever flick from Alex Morgan with her head. Nighswonger <a href="https://twitter.com/USWNT/status/1764467969898533249" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">took the shot first time</a> and slotted the shot home. Jaedyn Shaw powered home the USWNT’s third in first-half stoppage time after a cross from Trinity Rodman. That was Shaw’s third goal of the tournament, which is the best among the Americans. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240304_WST_492893_Horan-goal-1200x670_13539d53.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-492913" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Horan-goal-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Horan-goal-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Horan-goal-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/Horan-goal.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Naeher voted player of the game</h2>



<p>Despite the offensive outburst and strong play across the field, it was Alyssa Naeher to earn woman-of-the-match honors. Naeher, making her 100th appearance for the USWNT, held Colombia scoreless in the CONCACAF W Gold Cup quarterfinal. The American made three saves on the night, more than she made in her previous two games combined in the W Gold Cup. Two of those were great saves, too.</p>



<p>For example, Linda Caicedo, the talisman in the Colombia attack, took a shot from distance that required a <a href="https://twitter.com/USWNT/status/1764469243050184833" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diving stop from Naeher</a>. That was only minutes before the USWNT’s third, which put the game to bed before halftime. With the lead established, the USWNT shut the game down. Colombia continued to push forward, but a stout game from the USWNT back line and Naeher in the net ensured a convincing victory. </p>



<h2>USWNT to face Canada in W Gold Cup semifinal</h2>



<p>The quality of opponents continues to rise as the USWNT advances, though. Canada, which always provides the USWNT with a challenge, is coming off a 1-0 win over Costa Rica in the quarterfinals. That game required extra time, which may indicate faltering. However, one thing Canada has done well is defense. No team has managed to score on Canada so far in the W Gold Cup. Moreover, Bev Priestman’s side has scored 14 goals in four games at this tournament.</p>



<p>That is the task the USWNT has. Twila Kilgore’s side has had Canada’s number over the last few years. In their most recent meeting, the United States won 2-0 in the SheBelieves Cup.</p>



<p>This game against Canada is on Wednesday, March 6, at 10:15 p.m. ET. The contest is at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, CA. Coverage in the United States is available on <a href="https://paramountplus.qflm.net/c/330866/1007330/3065" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Paramount+</a> for English-language coverage and <a href="https://go.web.plus.espn.com/mwebq" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">ESPN+</a> for Spanish audiences. </p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>

USWNT bounces back in W Gold Cup, faces Canada in semifinal

The United States Women's National Team (USWNT) defeated South American side Colombia to reach the semifinals of the W Gold Cup.

<p>The Mexico Women’s National Team picked up a monumental win over the USWNT to round out the group stage in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/2024-concacaf-w-gold-cup-schedule-and-venues-revealed-20231130-WST-474061.html">2024 W Gold Cup</a>. The Americans had already clinched a spot in the knockout stage, which means it did not have much to play for. However, a dominant performance ensured <em>La Tri </em>finished as group winners. More significantly, this was Mexico’s second time defeating the United States Women’s National Team. This was the 43rd time the USWNT has played Mexico. The Americans lead the series with 40 wins and a draw, but this is a turning point for Mexican women’s soccer.</p>



<p>Moreover, this is not a result where the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/uswnt-tv-schedule/">USWNT</a> can cast the 2-0 loss to the side. Interim head coach Twila Kilgore fielded a strong side full of players with ample experience in tournament play. However, it was Mexico that dominated and led most of the chances. Granted, the first half saw Mexico welcome the USWNT’s possession-based approach. A stout defense prevented the Americans from any strong chances. Right-back Emily Fox forced a save out of Esthefanny Barreras just after the half-hour mark, but that was as close as the United States came.</p>



<h2>A historic result for Mexico women</h2>



<p>Not long after, Mexico opened the scoring via Jacqueline Ovalle. Poor defending from the USWNT allowed Ovalle to win the ball in the final third. Faced one-on-one against USWNT goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, Ovalle pulled the ball back to her left foot and <a href="https://twitter.com/GoldCup/status/1762326355541139832" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chipped a sumptuous ball</a> into the back of Naeher’s net. This was the first time Mexico held a lead against the United States since the last time, and the only time, it defeated the Americans. That was in November 2010 during Women’s World Cup qualifying.</p>



<p>A raucous crowd that largely supported Mexico was treated to a perfect ending in stoppage time of the second half. The USWNT was exposed at the back as it pushed for an equalizer. Mayra Pelayo was born in California, played for the Florida Gators in college and was in the USWNT youth system. She delivered the final blow with a contender for goal of the tournament. A curled effort from 25 yards away beat Naeher to wrap up a massive result for <em>La Tri</em>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">!GO-LA-ZO! 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/dIhkeuFiAe">pic.twitter.com/dIhkeuFiAe</a></p>— W Gold Cup (@GoldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoldCup/status/1762347728061755598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2024</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>It is one thing to end Mexico’s 13-year, 16-game losing streak against the USWNT. This is the first time the United States women’s side has lost to a CONCACAF opponent on US soil in 24 years. Also, it is the USWNT’s first time losing a game in California. </p>



<h2>Gold Cup result over USWNT is stepping stone for Mexico</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240227_WST_491788_Pelayo-goal-1200x670_f0e50195.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-491796" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Pelayo-goal-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Pelayo-goal-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Pelayo-goal-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Pelayo-goal.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>The crowd, which favored Mexico in Carson, CA, saw what could be a turning point for Mexico in the women’s game. Mexico’s men’s team has been one of the most consistent teams in the history of the men’s World Cup, having reached the knockout stage eight tournaments in a row before the 2022 edition. Yet, the women’s team has never advanced beyond the group stage in three previous trips to the tournament. Also, Mexico failed to qualify for the 2019 and 2023 Women’s World Cups. </p>



<p>Now, the Mexico Women’s National team has the chance to use this win over the USWNT to develop further. The Mexico squad at this tournament has nine players who are 25 or younger. They are rapidly gaining caps, as Ovalle is already approaching 50 appearances with <em>La Tri</em>.</p>



<p>In the immediate picture, the win over the United States will put Mexico in a position to face an easier opponent in the quarterfinals of the W Gold Cup. It could play one of the third-place finishers in the group stage, which would make it possible to win the side’s first competitive trophy at a major level.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>

Mexico defeats USWNT in W Gold Cup for historic result

The Mexico Women's National Team picked up a monumental win over the USWNT to round out the group stage in the 2024 W Gold Cup.

destacadas


<p>A new era for women’s soccer in North America is coming up in February. And now the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/womens-soccer-tv-schedule/">USWNT</a>, and everyone else, knows the lay of the land with the groups for the W Gold Cup set <a href="https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2023/12/usa-will-face-guyana-or-dominican-republic-argentina-mexico-group-a-at-the-2024-concacaf-w-gold-cup" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">after the completion of the draw</a>.</p>



<h2>2024 W Gold Cup Groups</h2>



<p>The twelve competitors – nine already qualified plus the remaining playoff teams – have been slotted into place for the upcoming tournament.</p>



<p>The twelve teams have been placed into three groups of four. Come tournament time, the top two finishers in each group, plus the best two third-place sides, will advance to the knockout rounds.</p>



<h4>Group A</h4>



<p><strong><em>United States / Mexico / Argentina / Guyana or Dominican Republic</em></strong></p>



<p>Hosts and four-time world champions the USWNT are the star attraction of Group A. They’ll be joined by CONCACAF rivals Mexico and Argentina. The last spot will be either Guyana or the Dominican Republic. They’ll contest a play-in game on February 17, shortly before the tournament proper begins.</p>



<p>Anything short of easily winning this group would be a massive disappointment for the USWNT. This is their first official competition after crashing out of the World Cup this past summer. Twila Kilgore will still be in charge on the sidelines for the US. New head coach Emma Hayes won’t take over until after Chelsea’s season wraps up late next Spring.</p>



<p>The battle for the second automatic knockout round spot will surely be between Mexico and Argentina.</p>



<h4>Group B</h4>



<p><strong><em>Brazil / Panama / Colombia / Haiti or Puerto Rico</em></strong></p>



<p>Brazil and Colombia have a decent chance to make this group an all-South American affair if they can finish 1 and 2. Panama did recently play in their first-ever World Cup, but their 0-0-3 record and -8 goal difference was not a great showing. </p>



<h4>Group C</h4>



<p><strong><em>Canada / Costa Rica / Paraguay / El Salvador or Guatemala</em></strong></p>



<p>Canada has to be the favorite to win Group C, as they are historically, and currently, the strongest side in the bunch. Like the USA, they’ll be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2023 World Cup performance which will provide some extra motivation for sure.</p>



<p>This could be one of the groups where the third-place finisher squeaks into the knockout round. </p>



<p>The 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup kicks off on Tuesday, February 20th in Los Angeles. But the preliminary playoff games all take place on February 17th to lock in the final teams.</p>



<p>The quarterfinals will take place on March 2-3, with the semifinals on March 6. The final, in San Diego, will be on March 10. The entire tournament will take place in Los Angeles (Group A, quarterfinals), San Diego (Group B, semifinals and final), and Houston (Group C).</p>



<p><em>Photo: Imago</em>.</p>


Groups set for 2024 W Gold Cup

The USWNT and all the competitors now know who they'll be playing next February, as the groups for the W Gold Cup have been selected.

Groups set for 2024 W Gold Cup - World Soccer Talk


<p>A new era for women’s soccer in North America is set to kick off early next Spring. The first-ever <a href="https://www.concacaf.com/w-gold-cup/news/concacaf-confirms-2024-concacaf-w-gold-cup-participating-women-s-national-teams-and-draw-pots-and-procedures/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CONCACAF W Gold Cup</a> will take place in California and Texas, and the draw will be staged on December 11 to get things rolling.</p>



<h2>12 teams to compete in the inaugural CONCACAF W Gold Cup</h2>



<p>The draw to determine the groups for the tournament will stream live at 7:00 PM ET on Monday, December 11. Fans can watch the draw on <a href="https://paramountplus.qflm.net/c/330866/1007330/3065" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Paramount+</a> in the United States.</p>



<p>Nine of the twelve competitors have been determined, but three spots are still up for grabs.</p>



<p>Haiti and Puerto Rico, El Salvador and Guatemala, and Guyana and the Dominican Republic will square off in the preliminary round on February 17, 2024. These matches will all be staged at the Dignity Health Sports Park Track and Field Stadium. The winner of each of these three games will advance to the group stage of the tournament proper.</p>



<p>The group stage will then commence from February 20-28. Games will be held at the main Dignity Health Sports Park (home of the LA Galaxy) in Carson, CA, Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, and Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. </p>



<p>The quarterfinals will be played in LA at BMO Stadium, with the semifinals and final in San Diego.</p>



<h5>Watch the W Gold Cup draw on Paramount+</h5>



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<h2>USA, Brazil, and Canada headline entrants </h2>



<p>For the draw, the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/uswnt-tv-schedule/">USWNT</a>, Brazil, and Canada have been placed in pot 1. The USA (A1) and Canada (C1) are the top two CONCACAF teams. Brazil (B1) earned their spot as winner of the 2022 Women’s Copa América. </p>



<p>Pot 2 consists of Costa Rica, Mexico, and Panama – the next three best-ranked CONCACAF sides.</p>



<p>Pot 3 is Colombia, Argentina, and Paraguay, who finished second through fourth respectively at last year’s Copa América.</p>



<p>Finally, pot 4 will be made up of the winners of the preliminary round.</p>



<p>Similar to past men’s Gold Cup tournaments, the first women’s edition features invitees from South America. This dovetails nicely with the men’s Copa América which will follow in summer 2024, featuring both CONMEBOL and CONCACAF teams.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1280" height="715" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231207_WST_475729_WGoldCup2.webp&amp;width=1280&amp;height=715" alt="W Gold Cup" class="wp-image-475740" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/WGoldCup2.jpg 1280w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/WGoldCup2-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/WGoldCup2-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/WGoldCup2-768x429.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px"></figure><figcaption>Can Brazil or one of the other South American guests steal the show?</figcaption></figure>



<p>Despite a disappointing 2023 World Cup for the USA, they likely remain the favorites to win the Gold Cup. The US has won all but two of the eleven CONCACAF W Championship tournaments held since 1991. One of two tournaments they did not win, 1999, they did not participate in as they were automatically qualified for the 1999 World Cup.</p>



<p>But pedigree and history only go so far, as we saw this past summer in New Zealand and Australia. There is a decent chance that someone other than the Stars &amp; Stripes will lift this new trophy for the first time.</p>



<p>Should a South American side win, it would be the first time a CONMEBOL or CONCACAF team, men’s or women’s, won a major international tournament staged by the other confederation as a guest.</p>



<p>That being said – the USA is still probably a safe bet to add yet another piece of silverware to their collection.</p>



<p><em>Photos: Imago</em>.</p>


CONCACAF W Gold Cup draw scheduled for first-ever contest

The stage is set for the first-ever CONCACAF W Gold Cup, with the inaugural draw taking place this December.