For the final group stage match of the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship, the USWNT played Mexico and won 1-0. The game drew the biggest crowd out of the tournament so far, surpassing 20,000 people.
Mexico’s World Cup Qualifying campaign did not start as they imagined. They lost their first two games to Jamaica and Haiti, and the only way they would get into the intercontinental play-off was to beat the USWNT by four or more goals. On the other hand, the US came into the matchup undefeated and prepared for a tough contest on Mexico’s home soil.
The USWNT had seven changes from the previous match, generating some questions about the squad’s consistency. Margaret Purce got her first tournament start — as did Andi Sullivan, who did not play the last game.
Match highlights
The USWNT had a tough challenge in facing Mexico. The US could not figure out their attack, and the midfield was stagnant, preventing opportunities from arising.
The game was fairly quiet all night until the ref delivered a red card in the 73rd minute. Mexico’s Lizbeth Ovalle made a studs-up challenge on Rose Lavelle that eventually needed a second look with VAR. The referee ultimately decided the offense was enough for the red. Mexico was now down a player, which gave the USWNT an advantage.
Finally, in the 90th minute, the US broke the goalless deadlock. Taylor Kornieck received the ball toward the top of the box, where she then played the ball to Emily Sonnett.
With her head, Sonnett flicked the ball toward the net. Mexico goalkeeper Itzel González blocked the attempt before Kristie Mewis buried the ball beyond the goal line.
The USWNT won 1-0 after a hard-fought match from both sides. Now, Mexico is officially out of the running for a spot in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
What’s up next?
The USWNT continues to the tournament’s semifinals, where they will face Costa Rica. The match will take place on July 14, and US viewers can watch the game on CBS Sports Network and Paramount+ at 7:00 p.m. eastern.
