[ad_1]
CARY, N.C. (AP) – The United States has taken its first step towards the World Cup emphatically.
Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan scored two goals apiece to lead the US team to Mexico 6-0 on Thursday night in the first day of the two-team group stage at the CONCACAF World Cup qualifier .
"I think we could not have asked for a better performance," Morgan said. "Keeping a blank sheet, having a ton of goals and involving everyone, it was just a good performance for us."
The US team scored five goals in the second half, extending its series of defeats to 22 games. Ranked first in the world, the United States dominated all possession of the ball and ended up using Mexico.
Lindsey Horan scored for the first two goals of the US team, which outshot Mexico 23-3. The United States started quickly in each half, scoring their first shot of the period in both cases.
"It's a good start for us and a great confidence in us," Rapinoe said.
Rapinoe, who also had some help, opened the scoring with a goal in the third minute after Horan blocked an attempt to clear the Mexican defense.
But that's all that the United States has managed on 11 shots in the first half. The American team failed to convert some other promising opportunities, including a point-blank shot from Rapinoe in the 37th minute.
"We could have played a little faster in the first period, but I think we did it," said US coach Jill Ellis.
Julie Ertz opened the scoring in the 47th minute, scoring four goals in less than 24 minutes. Morgan and Tobin Health scored on the lead before Rapinoe reached his second goal of the game.
"When we came in halftime 1-0, we knew that there was more to give," Morgan said. "So, come out in the second half and score the second goal right now, it really sets the tone."
Mexico, ranked No. 24 in the world, went without shooting until the 48th minute.
Mexico used five defenders to try to contain the American attack, but coach Roberto Medina lamented his team's inability to prevent the US from finding an opening.
"We are here to defend our colors and we will return to work to make sure we do not repeat these mistakes," he said.
The US team improved to 33-1-1 in the CONCACAF Women's Championship. The only defeat was 2-1 against Mexico in 2010, the last time the United States conceded a goal in this event.
The United States are the reigning World Cup champions, having defeated Japan in the final in 2015. The team is in Group A for the CONCACAF Women's Championship, an eight-team tournament that will determine all three Places in the region for the World Cup next year in France. . A fourth team will get the right to play in the playoffs against Argentina for a place.
The United States will face Panama on Sunday in the second of three Group A games. Panama beat Trinidad and Tobago 3-0 in Thursday's first match.
The top two teams in Group A will advance to the CONCACAF semi-finals in Frisco, Texas, while the top two in Group B. Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba and Jamaica play in Group B at Edinburg , in Texas.
This subject is missing your voice.
View comments
[ad_2]
Source link
