MONTERREY, Mexico – The last match of Group A in the 2022 Concacaf W Championship in Monterrey ended with the United States edging Mexico 1-0 on Monday evening at the Estadio Universitario.
After beginning the tournament with two defeats, Mexico looked to change their luck and Stephany Mayor, in the 5’, tried to score the first goal for El Tricolor in this CWC by shooting from outside the area, but missed her chance by sending it wide.
In the 10’, the reigning World Champions had their first chance to keep increasing their goal count in the tournament, but the Mexican defensive line was able to clear.
Later on U.S. attacker Margaret Purce went for it in the 23’ and almost scored the first goal of the night, but the post denied that shot, keeping things scoreless.
The U.S. kept pushing hard, but GK Itzel Gonzalez, who was a starter for the first time in this CWC, was the star for Mexico by blocking every chance that came her way.
In the 40’ Sophia Smith of the U.S. had another chance to add a goal to her CWC tally, assisted with a great pass from the always present Purce, but sent it over the crossbar.
The second half started with both teams wanting to go all out for last 45 minutes, but things would tilt in the favor of the U.S. in the 73’ when after a VAR review, Jaqueline Ovalle’s tackle on Rose Lavelle ended up being a red card, leaving the Mexican side with 10 players on the field.
Despite being a player down, the Mexican side kept trying to get their first goal of the tournament, but U.S. GK Casey Murphy was ready to stop the chances that the hosts created.
The U.S. finally opened the scoring in the 90’ as Kristie Mewis pushed a shot over the line after a scramble in front of goal, making this the first CWC win for the U.S. against Mexico on Mexican soil.
The U.S. will play Costa Rica in the semifinals later this week, while Mexico, with this result, have completed their participation in Monterrey.
