Catarina Macario has entered the chat. The United States women’s national team needed a victory over Iceland to secure the SheBelieves Cup and Macario heeded the call, delivering a pair of glittering goals to push the USWNT to a 5-0 triumph to claim the tournament crown.
The USWNT came into the SheBelieves Cup searching for the next generation of stars to take the mantle from the old guard. Carli Lloyd has retired, and Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Tobin Heath, Christen Press, and Julie Ertz were left off the roster, as manager Vlatko Andonovski used the competition to test the younger players and find out who was ready to step up.
Consider Macario’s test passed with flying colors.
The former Stanford Cardinal’s chipped finishes were nothing short of stunning, and her tenacity and unselfishness created another goal as well. And she produced her magic just as the USWNT were finding it tough to break through the stout Icelandic defense.
MORE: What is the SheBelieves Cup? Results & highlights
Her first goal was spectacular. An excellent ball from deep delivered by Ashley Sanchez in the 37th minute sprung Macario down the left. The Iceland back line appeared to have the U.S. move covered, but Macario didn’t mind, producing a delicious looped effort that relegated Iceland goalkeeper Sandra Siguroardottir to a bystander, only able to watch as it nestled in the far corner.
FROM THE CORNER OF THE BOX!!!!
Get in, @catarinamacario 🇺🇸#SheBelievesCup x @Visa pic.twitter.com/TMSZ5h62EE
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) February 24, 2022
While that would ultimately serve as the game-winner, she wasn’t done, and delivered a second just before halftime. Although some might feel she was aiming for the head of teammate Mallory Pugh at the far post, her turnaround dink floated into the far corner with Siguroardottir again rooted to the spot.
No. 2 for @catarinamacario 😼#SheBelievesCup x @Visa pic.twitter.com/XxxlAeQkIg
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) February 24, 2022
Iceland never threatened from that point on. The visitors in Frisco, Texas were just along for the ride, holding just 38 percent possession and producing just two total shots, one of which hit the target.
For all of Macario’s first-half heroics, there were other standout performers. Sanchez delivered an outlandish through-ball that sliced and diced the Iceland back line for the assist on Pugh’s first goal to put the USWNT up 3-0.
Pugh herself was dangerous on and off the ball, finding space and turning defenders all over the field, grabbing a second in the 75th minute after pressure and unselfishness from Macario.
twice as nice for @malpugh 💥💥 pic.twitter.com/RbYKSwK3QE
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) February 24, 2022
Sophia Smith was another standout performer, unlucky not to find the back of the net herself, while midfielder Kristie Mewis was ever-present, grabbing the final goal to cap off her excellent 90 minutes.
Andonovski came into the SheBelieves Cup looking to identify young talent that can help moving forward as the USWNT builds towards the summer’s CONCACAF W Championship, which will serve as qualifying for the FIFA World Cup and Olympics. He left with the SheBelieves title built on a three-match run that conceded zero goals and got better with each passing match.
More importantly, he leaves with a clear talisman in Catarina Macario, who has no doubt earned herself a role within the U.S. national team moving forward.