Rio 2016: Solo's early mistake helps Colombia tie USA

RIO DE JANEIRO — The U.S. women’s soccer team stumbled early thanks to an uncharacteristic and embarrassing goal allowed by Hope Solo, then threw away a lead in the 90th minute to finish with a 2-2 draw against Colombia.

The late equalizing goal partially spoiled a coming-out party of sorts for two of the team's young stars. Crystal Dunn, 24, scored the first American goal, and 18-year-old phenom Mallory Pugh scored the second, her first Olympic goal.

The draw still gave the team first place in Group G.

The USA fell behind in the 26th minute when Colombia’s Catalina Usme fired a left-footed shot low directly at Solo. The American keeper dropped down to collect the ball, but it slipped through her hands and then through her legs before spilling into the goal. It was the first goal allowed by Solo in the tournament, and one she will undoubtedly have nightmares about.

Following a tense 15 minutes, the USA bounced back when a shot from Carli Lloyd struck off the bar and Dunn was there to take care of the rebound. Dunn then celebrated the goal with a samba dance at midfield.

The goal gave the Americans a noticeable lift before the half, which to their credit, they had dominated — other than the one mistake from Solo.

The USA took the lead when Pugh broke into a crowded box and ripped a left-footed shot past the keeper in the 59th minute. Pugh should have put the game away two minutes later on a two-on-one, but she drifted offside before receiving the final pass.

It looked like the Americans would coast to a victory, but another set piece in the 90th minute took away the win. This time, the ball was served in by Colombia from the right flank and sailed in over the outstretched hand of Solo. It wasn’t as egregious an error as the first, but still one the Americans would expect Solo to handle.

Megan Rapinoe, who had started the game just eight months after sustaining a torn ACL in training, was substituted off shortly after the Americans gave up the first goal, playing just over half an hour.

The Americans will play again on Friday, against an opponent to be determined.