Hope Solo’s Mistake Leads US To 2-2 Tie With Colombia, But Americans Still Win Group G

The U.S. women’s soccer team faltered early thanks to an unlucky and embarrassing goal allowed by goalkeeper Hope Solo, then blew a lead in the 90th minute to finish with a 2-2 draw against Colombia at the Olympics in Manaus on Tuesday.

Hope Solo’s Mistake Leads US To 2-2 Tie With Colombia

The Americans began strong, controlling possession and creating scoring opportunities in the first 15 minutes.

Nevertheless, it was Colombia who opened the scoring. In the 26th minute, Catalina Usme fired a left-footed low shot on a free kick that slipped through Solo’s legs into the back of the net. The goal was the first the U.S. allowed in the Olympics, and Solo will surely remember this one for long time.

The U.S. then fought back to tie the game. In the 30th minute, Washington Spirit forward Crystal Dunn had a deflected cross that bounced off the crossbar and fell to Megan Rapinoe, who had her shot saved by Colombian goalie Sandra Sepulveda. 

Rapinoe, who was subbed out three minutes later, played in her first game of 2016 after suffering a torn ACL in December 2015. The Seattle Reign midfielder played just over 30 minutes.

The Americans then scored late in the first half. After captain Carli Lloyd’s shot was saved and deflected off the crossbar, 24-year-old Dunn raced into the box to score the rebound and tie it up 1-1. Dunn celebrated with a samba dance in midfield. 

The U.S. then took the lead in the 59th minute, when 18-year-old Mallory Pugh broke into a crowded box and fired a left-footed shot past Sepulveda to become the youngest soccer player to score for the U.S. in Olympic history. It was also the fourth international goal for the Olympic rookie.

Two minutes later, Pugh found yet another scoring opportunity on a two-on-one, but the former U-2- women’s national team forward fell offside before receiving the final pass. Colombia also nearly tied the game on a free kick but the ball hit the crossbar.

It looked like the Americans had secured another victory until the 90th minute. Usme found the net again off a free kick from the right flank. The ball flew in over the outstretched hand of Solo. This wasn’t as egregious of an error as the first goal, but Solo still could have potentially saved it.

The draw gives the U.S. seven points in group play as it finishes at the top of Group G. They will play again on Friday, against an opponent to be determined. Colombia has now been eliminated from the Olympics in soccer.

Meanwhile, France defeated New Zealand 3-0 in the other Group G match.