In a night charged with both celebration and dominance, the United States Women’s National Team delivered a commanding 4–0 victory over a depleted Jamaican squad on Tuesday in St. Louis.
The match doubled as a poignant tribute to retiring U.S. soccer legend Becky Sauerbrunn, a hometown hero whose legacy was honored in front of adoring fans.
Sentnor steals the spotlight
On the field, it was Ally Sentnor who wasted no time claiming center stage. The 21-year-old rising star and reigning U.S. Soccer Young Player of the Year found the net in the 19th minute, capping her goal with a heart-shaped hand gesture in celebration. Just 10 minutes later, she added a second strike, this time capitalizing on a deflection.
The brace brought Sentnor’s international goal tally to four and reaffirmed her place as one of the brightest young talents in the U.S. setup.
Biyendolo off the bench, on the scoresheet
Not to be outdone, substitute Lynn Biyendolo made an immediate impact after entering the match in the 57th minute. Just three minutes later, she rifled home the United States’ third goal. She would seal her brace in the 88th minute, converting a precise cross from Avery Patterson.
Biyendolo’s performance elevated her career international goal count to 24 and underscored the U.S. team’s extraordinary depth.
Solid at the back, still searching in goal
Phallon Tullis-Joyce earned her second consecutive start in goal as head coach Emma Hayes continues to evaluate candidates to fill the void left by veteran Alyssa Naeher’s retirement. The young keeper responded with poise and precision, posting her third consecutive clean sheet—a promising sign as the team prepares for future competitive fixtures.
Jamaica struggles without core stars
For the Reggae Girlz, the night was always going to be an uphill battle. Plagued by key absences, the team was without midfield stalwarts Drew Spence and Jade Bailey-Gayle, as well as their talismanic striker Khadija “Bunny” Shaw, who remains sidelined following a late-season injury with Manchester City.
Even the sidelines lacked full firepower—head coach Lorne Donaldson was unavailable, with assistant coach and former Reggae Boy Deon Burton stepping in to lead the squad. Despite the lopsided scoreline, the Jamaican side featured a rare moment of familial pride, fielding two sets of sisters: Allyson and Chantelle Swaby, and Kalyssa and Amelia Van Zanten.
Jamaica has never recorded a win over the United States, and this latest defeat underscored the gap in preparation and depth, particularly when key players are missing from the line-up.
Looking ahead
The Reggae Girlz must regroup before facing England next month, hoping to field a more complete line-up and rediscover the form that earned them back-to-back FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances.
