USA Falls Colombia 2-1 in Penalties
November 26, 2010 - Women's Professional Soccer (WPS)
Atlanta Beat News Release
KENNESAW, GA (November 26, 2010) - In the opening match of NAPA AUTO PARTS presents Torneo de las Americas, a part of the El Patron International Soccer Series at KSU Soccer Stadium, penalty kicks lifted Colombia 2-1 over the United States after teams finished tied 1-1 at the end of regulation. U.S. midfielder Alex Zahavi and Colombian forward Fabian Castillo converted finishes during match, but it was Hector Quiñonez who put away the penalty game winner.
The match featured aggressive play as each side saw three of its own receive yellow cards and the foul total eventually reached 12. Colombia committed double the infractions by an 8-4 comparison.
The action started early with a yellow card issued to Kory Veeder of the U.S. in the sixth minute, following Tristan Bowen's shot that missed just wide into the side netting. A yellow card issued to Alex Zahavi, also a U.S. player, followed in the 35th minute before Bowen attempted a second shot that again went wide of that same near post. Before the close of the half, the U.S. saw a chance by Zahavi that flew just over the crossbar but created momentum for first finish of the match.
The U.S. goal came within two minutes of first half stoppage time when Tristan Bowen served a cross to Sebastian Lleget, who headed the ball down to the foot of Zahavi. Zahavi struck the ball under the arms of Colombian keeper Cristian Bonilla, placing the ball low and to the center of the net. Following the goal, U.S. forward Omar Slagado continued to pressure with two shots back to back.
Colombia answered the offensive attack with three first half shots by their eventual goal scorer, Fabian Castillo. Castillo's pace and technique afforded him several dangerous opportunities and forced U.S. goalkeeper Jonathan Kempin to record a strong save in the opening half.
The U.S. rested some of their key possession players in the second half, allowing Colombia a bit more possession. The South American squad recorded four shots in the second half, while Kempin recorded three saves. The fourth shot, struck by Castillo, came in the 86th minute when the pacey attacker ran onto a through ball, played in by Sebastian Viafara from the left side of the 18 yard box. Castillo got in behind the defense and placed the ball in the far post corner for Colombia's first goal of the match.
After two minutes of stoppage time, the game finished tied at 1-1 and proceeded to penalties. U.S. midfielder Dillon Powers started things off with a goal on the opening kick. Colombia's Juan Diaz answered with a finish of his own.
After three U S. strikes could not find the back of the net, Colombia's Quiñonez put in the game winner.
Colombia faces Mexico on Saturday, Nov. 27 at 3:30PM as the USA prepares to host Mexico on Sunday, Nov. 28 also at 3:30PM. Tickets to these matches start as low as $14. To purchase, visit www.theatlantabeat.com and click the Torneo de las Americas icon.
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Women's Professional Soccer Stories from November 26, 2010
- USA Falls Colombia 2-1 in Penalties - Atlanta Beat
- U.S. WNT Takes on Italy in Second Leg of World Cup Qualifier at Toyota Park - Chicago Stars FC
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