Concacaf W Gold Cup quarter-final preview: USWNT edition

The GIST: The knockout stage of the inaugural Concacaf W Gold Cup kicks off tomorrow, and while some squads are finding their stride in the Paris 2024 Olympics tune-up tourney, others are faltering. Times, they are a-changin’.

USWNT vs. Colombia — Sunday at 8:15 p.m. ET: The USWNT’s reign as the undisputed queens of Concacaf is in jeopardy. A veteran-heavy American lineup lost 2–0 to No. 35 Mexico on Tuesday, a costly L that set them up with a challenging quarter-final matchup.

• This team in transition is still finding its groove, but there have been bright spots: teen phenoms forward Jaedyn Shaw and midfielder Olivia Moultrie have already scored in their introduction to elite international footy.

• But it’s the American defense that will have their feet, er, hands full on Sunday, tasked with handling Colombia’s best goal scorer, 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup breakout star, forward Linda Caicedo. *gulp*

The other quarter-final matches: Sitting on the Americans’ side of the bracket is our neighbor to the north, reigning Olympic champions No. 10 CanWNT, who play No. 43 Costa Rica (who they just beat 3–0 in the group stage) tomorrow at 7 p.m. ET.

• Meanwhile, No. 11 Brazil takes on No. 31 Argentina tomorrow at 10:15 p.m. ET, followed by No. 35 Mexico vs. No. 50 Paraguay on Sunday at 5 p.m. ET. Golazos everywhere you turn.