The Mewis sisters, led by Samantha's three goals, did all the scoring as the U.S. women's national team opened its 2021 campaign with a 4-0 victory against Colombia on Monday in Orlando, Fla.
After goals in the fourth and 33rd minutes, Samantha Mewis coolly deposited a penalty kick in the 47th minute for her first hat trick and 21st international goal. Kristie Mewis got her second goal in a U.S. uniform in the 86th minute from the second assist of the game by Carli Lloyd as the world's No. 1 team extended its unbeaten streak to 33 matches (30-0-3) before a limited-capacity crowd of 4,000 at Exploria Stadium. Colombia is ranked 26th. The teams play again at the same venue on Friday.
Finishing STRONG! @CarliLloyd with her second assist of the night, @KristieMewie with her second goal in as many games pic.twitter.com/8iu5fWPeaM
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) January 19, 2021
Samantha Mewis opened the scoring early when she took a pass from the left side by Megan Rapinoe and slotted a shot from 12 yards.
Fast start in Florida! @mPinoe back to her tricks, @sammymewy finding the back of the net! pic.twitter.com/llw4xZO8M1
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) January 19, 2021
Colombia goalie Sandra Sepulveda injured herself after pushing a header by Lloyd over the bar in the 27th minute. Sepulveda (seven saves) stayed in the game only to be beaten by a Samantha Mewis header from a Lloyd assist six minutes later to make it 2-0.
That's ✌️ for the @USWNT! @sammymewy again! pic.twitter.com/c8KmOof2ey
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) January 19, 2021
That goal made Mewis the 30th USWNT player to reach 20 career goals. She was not done as Lindsey Horan was pulled down in the box to set up the third score. Mewis was subbed in the 64th minute for Rose Lavelle.
First game of the year?
First career hat trick for @sammymewy pic.twitter.com/sJVQu82y2F— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) January 19, 2021
U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher did not face a shot.
Brazilian-born U.S. midfielder Catarina Macario made her debut in the 46th minute after being cleared by FIFA to play for the country she moved to at age 12. She replaced Rapinoe.
January 13—Approved by FIFA to represent the @USWNT
Tonight—USWNT debutWelcome to the show, @catarinamacario pic.twitter.com/CfDN3JAN89— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) January 19, 2021
The U.S. had not played on American soil since a 3-1 victory against Japan in the final of the SheBelieves Cup on March 11, 2020, in Frisco, Texas. The Americans have not lost in 49 home matches (44-0-5).
"I'm obviously just excited to have had that happen and to have Kristie score too was incredible and just really special."
Hear from @sammymewy after her first career international hat trick in tonight's win for the @USWNT pic.twitter.com/eVAqv2TL1x— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) January 19, 2021
The match was the first for the U.S. since a 2-0 road win over the Netherlands on Nov. 27.