Things got chippy between the U.S. women’s national soccer team and the Colombia national team in the Concacaf W Gold Cup quarterfinals on Sunday night.
Alex Morgan and Trinity Rodman of the USWNT were at the center of multiple clashes in their 3-0 win against Colombia at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, where the 21-year-old Rodman was seen defending veteran Morgan, who came chest-to-chest with three Colombian players during the second half of the match.
In a clip circulating on social media, Rodman came between the 34-year-old Morgan, who appeared to exchange words with Colombia’s Maria Usme and Carolina Arias.
Alex Morgan #7 of United States confronts Maria Usme #11 and Carolina Arias #17 of Colombia during the quarterfinals 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup at BMO Stadium on March 3, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images
United States forward Alex Morgan (7) confronts Colombia forward Maria Usme (11) during the first half of the Concacaf W Gold Cup quarterfinal game at BMO Stadium on March 3, 2024. Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
Both teams received two yellow cards within the first 20 minutes of the contest.
Tensions between the two teams flared from the opening whistle until the end, with USWNT pulling ahead early in the first half.
At one point, Rodman — a forward on the Washington Spirit — was seen telling Colombia forward Linda Caicedo to “back up” while talking to the referee.
Alex Morgan #7 of United States confronts Maria Usme #11 and Carolina Arias #17 of Colombia during the quarterfinals 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup at BMO Stadium on March 3, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
United States forward Trinity Rodman intervenes when teammate Alex Morgan (7) confronts Colombia players during the Concacaf W Gold Cup quarterfinal game at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca. on March 3, 2024. X/@agoodjuan
United States forward Trinity Rodman intervenes when teammate Alex Morgan (7) confronts Colombia players during the Concacaf W Gold Cup quarterfinal game at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca. on March 3, 2024. X/@agoodjuan
United States forward Trinity Rodman intervenes when teammate Alex Morgan (7) confronts Colombia players during the Concacaf W Gold Cup quarterfinal game at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca. on March 3, 2024. X/@agoodjuan
U.S. captain Lindsey Horan scored the first goal on a penalty kick, followed by defender Jenna Nighswonger, who recorded her second international goal.
19-year-old sensation Jaedyn Shaw scored the third and final goal in the semifinal matchup.
Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher earned her 100th cap, becoming the third U.S. goalkeeper to reach the milestone with numerous saves to earn her 61st career shutout, per U.S. Soccer.
The USWNT will face Concacaf rival Canada in the semifinals of the Gold Cup on Wednesday at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, Calif.
It will air on Paramount+, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes at 10:15 p.m. ET / 8:15 p.m. PT.
Brazil and Mexico are competing in the other semifinal.