JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA (APRIL 5, 2018) — The United States Women’s National Team got a taste of what their CONCACAF Gold Cup will look like this October.
The United States will compete in the tournament in hopes of punching their ticket to France for the 2019 FIFA World Cup.
One of their primary opponents? Mexico.
The United States and Mexico have a long-standing rivalry in both the men’s and women’s game. For the first time since February 2016, the two sides met up.
Morgan, United States top CONCACAF opponent Mexico in friendly
Mexico is under new leadership, as Roberto Medina took over as head coach in 2017.
The match was completely in favor of the United States, with the home side taking 75 percent of possession.
Mallory Pugh scored the opening goal in the 6th minute. In the second half, the match opened up more to the United States. In the span of four minutes, the United States had scored three goals from Alex Morgan, who scored twice, and Carli Lloyd.
Mexico’s lone tally came from Katie Johnson in the 64th minute. Johnson was approached by Alyssa Naeher, who came off her line, and popped the shot over her head.
The two sides will face off again, Sunday, in Houston, Texas. Kick off is slated now for 1:30 p.m.
.@alexmorgan13 is a national treasure.
Fill in the blank: This goal was ______.pic.twitter.com/O84G30ZjFr
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) April 6, 2018
Three Takeaways
- No Sofia Huerta is ridiculous: Sofia Huerta had a big opportunity to make history. The midfielder, forward or defender — wherever Ellis puts her — formerly featured for Mexico. She could have made history by featuring on both sides if she made it on to the pitch. Ellis completely disrespected Huerta.
- Alex Morgan is playing her best soccer: At the club level and internationally, Alex Morgan is playing the best soccer of her career. It’s clear that her time in Lyon helped her, since she’s been on fire since her return. Two goals tonight, including a slanted shot on the left? Morgan was the player of the match.
- Alyssa Naeher was awful — and that’s an understatement: It’s time for Ellis to put someone else — namely Jane Campbell — in goal over Alyssa Naeher. Coming off her line was bad, but the entire night Naeher was just making poor decisions. There are some things that Ellis has ignored, but it was hard to ignore just how bad Naeher was tonight.
