U.S. women complete two-game exhibition sweep of Colombia

Julie Johnston scored two goals, Tobin Heath had a pair of assists and the U.S. women’s soccer team defeated Colombia, 3-0, on Sunday.

Christen Press also scored for the Americans, who wrapped up a two-game exhibition series with Colombia after a 7-0 win on Wednesday in Connecticut.

U.S. captain Carli Lloyd, the 2015 FIFA women’s player of the year, was held scoreless despite several chances in her homecoming, coming out to a thunderous ovation in the 73rd minute.

The Delran, N.J., native grew up 30 minutes from Talen Energy Stadium, the home stadium of Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union. It was her first game in the area since leading the United States to the 2015 World Cup, getting a hat trick in the final.

The Americans are 11-0 in 2016, outscoring their opponents, 42-1. They are preparing for the Rio Olympics, where they’re seeking their fourth consecutive gold medal.

Coach Jill Ellis has several tough choices for the tournament and experimented with Sunday’s lineup, giving playmaker Heath her first start at fullback and sitting out starting goalkeeper Hope Solo in favor of Alyssa Naeher, who’s competing for the backup role in Rio.

Naeher improved to 4-0, earning her fourth career shutout. Colombia goalkeeper Catalina Perez, who plays for the University of Miami, made seven saves, including a big one on Lloyd in first-half stoppage time and a couple of more great ones right before the final whistle.

Alex Morgan (hip) and Morgan Brian (hamstring) both missed their second straight game with injuries.

Press opened the scoring in the 26th minute with a chip over Perez following a through ball from Lindsey Horan. It was the 33rd goal of her career, moving her into 16th place on the team’s all-time list.

Johnston put the United States ahead 2-0 in the 42nd minute when she one-timed Heath’s free kick past Perez. Heath and Johnston connected again on another free kick to close the scoring in the 79th minute.

It was the first multiple-goal game for Johnston, whose seven career goals have all come off set pieces. The Americans were playing their second game since five players filed a wage-discrimination action against the U.S. Soccer Federation.