United States, a roller against Colombia

Sophia Smith broke a goalless draw with two goals in the second half when the USA women’s national team. defeated Colombia 3-0 in a friendly in Commerce City, Colo., on Saturday.

Smith scored in the 54th and 60th minutes on assists from Rose Lavelle for a 2-0 lead. In his national team debut, Taylor Kornieck then headed in the 90th minute off a Megan Rapinoe free kick. Colombia goalkeeper Catalina Pérez saved two penalty shots among her five saves.

The United States extended its unbeaten streak at home to 61 wins and seven draws. During that span, the Americans outscored their opponents 258-28. In the last 30 games on American soil, they have produced a 128-4 scoring margin. Both teams play again Tuesday in Sandy, Utah.

On Smith’s goals, Lavelle took advantage of a turnover near the center circle and was able to throw a pass between the defenders to reach Smith calmly.

On the first goal, Pérez went off his line, allowing Smith to slip past it. In the second, Smith knocked Perez to the ground and lifted a shot over the goal.

The United States put themselves in position to take the lead at halftime, outscoring Colombia 12-0 and forcing Perez to make three saves, the most impressive in the 45th minute when he saved a Lindsey Horan penalty kick.

Smith (Portland Thorns) fouled Carolina Arias when she dribbled down the left side of the box and was tripped. Horan prepared to shoot from 11 meters and aimed for the lower left corner, but Pérez read his intention and saved the ball.

Arias was guilty again in the 69th minute, this time fouling Alex Morgan. Lavelle took the penalty and looked for the same spot as Horan, but Pérez was ready and on target once again. Instead, things went easier for American goalkeeper Casey Murphy, who had no shots on target.

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