Catarina Macario, Megan Rapinoe star in USWNT’s 6-0 rout of Colombia

ORLANDO, Fla. — A mix of veteran and young U.S. women’s national team stars combined for a blowout 6-0 victory over Colombia on Friday, capping January camp with two friendly wins for the Americans.

The match opened with a bang when 22-year-old Catarina Macario netted the first goal of her international career in the third minute. That goal was the payoff of years of work on and off the field for Macario. The Brazilian native became a U.S. citizen in the fall while formally applying to change her national team affiliation.

The switch was approved last week, allowing Macario to debut on Monday night and notch her first goal on Friday. Orlando Pride captain Ali Krieger assisted the goal with a high-arcing cross from outside the box, which Macario tapped into the net with her first touch.

Macario’s goal was followed by a brace from star Megan Rapinoe, who returned this week after nearly a year away from the pitch during the pandemic. Rapinoe netted her first goal with a backside shot that ricocheted off a defender, showcasing her signature flair with an air guitar celebration.

» READ MORE: Catarina Macario is on her way to becoming the USWNT’s next big star

The veteran closed the half with a penalty kick to give the Americans a 3-0 lead. The U.S. continued to pour on the pressure in the second half, making way for Lynn Williams and Lindsey Horan to add goals.

Midge Purce closed the match by netting her first international goal, leaping to flick a header into the net to stretch the lead to six goals.

The U.S. previously beat Colombia 4-0 on Monday night. The Americans’ high press continued to overpower their opponent, forcing the Colombians onto their heels for most of the match. U.S. outshot Colombia 33-2, forcing keeper Sandra Sepulveda to make five saves to prevent a wider deficit.

The matches are the first step of gearing up for the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics. The Times of London cited an anonymous source stating Japanese government officials expected the games to be canceled, but numerous officials refuted the report Friday and the games are still scheduled to be staged despite the challenges presented by the difficult to contain coronavirus pandemic.

The Americans will return to Orlando to host the SheBelieves Cup at Exploria Stadium in February.