HARRISON, N.J. — Alyssa Thompson’s first U.S. ladies’s nationwide group aim of 2026 proved to be key within the squad capturing its eighth SheBelieves Cup title.
Thompson scored an 82nd-minute winner because the USWNT edged Colombia 1-0 on Saturday, capping off an unbeaten event. The 21-year-old dialed up her personal quantity within the second half, drilling a shot off the crossbar and in to interrupt a irritating impasse for the hosts.
In what was her fifth aim total between Chelsea and the USWNT this yr, Thompson has continued to ship big-time performances, it doesn’t matter what the state of affairs.
“I feel it’s been an incredible yr for Alyssa, for each membership and nation,” USWNT supervisor Emma Hayes stated postmatch to reporters about Thompson. “The consistency in her play is standout for me, by way of having the ability to do issues over 90 minutes and do it recreation after recreation together with a clutch second at this time, which she’s been doing all yr for Chelsea.”
“Speaking to Emma, one thing I wish to get higher at is my decision-making within the remaining third, realizing when to shoot, when to cross, simply making the suitable play for the group,” Thompson stated in a combined zone with reporters. “I really feel like in that second, it was the suitable resolution to shoot.”
Thompson had an earlier likelihood within the half to shoot however opted to not. Nonetheless, together with her second alternative, the in-form attacker delivered one of many objectives of the event, sending Sports activities Illustrated Stadium bonkers with minimal time left to play.
Thompson’s transfer to WSL giants Chelsea has actually boosted her confidence this season, however she additionally praised her membership and worldwide teammates for enjoying a component in it too.
“I feel it’s grown loads simply realizing what I can do at worldwide and in addition at membership,” Thompson stated. “Having the ability to go to Chelsea was an enormous transfer for me. And actually, [Naomi Girma] and [Catarina Macario] have been actually useful at Chelsea and simply getting my confidence up.”
“Alyssa took that likelihood, it’s her bread and butter and roofed it bar down, we like to see that,” USWNT captain and veteran midfielder Lindsey Heaps stated postmatch about Thompson’s decision-making.
Thompson will now head again to London for the resumption of her membership schedule with Chelsea. The Blues are enjoying catch up within the WSL title race however subsequent face Phallon Tullis-Joyce and Manchester United within the League Cup Last on March 15.
It would mark Thompson’s first alternative to raise silverware together with her new membership and will probably be a spark to a potential quadruple by season’s finish.