Mexico Upsets United States in Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup with 2-0 Victory
In a stunning turn of events, Mexico emerged victorious over the United States in the Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup, securing a 2-0 win. This marked only the second time that Mexico has defeated their continental rival, with their previous triumph occurring during the Women’s World Cup qualifying in 2010. The U.S., who had an impressive record of 40-1-1 against Mexico, suffered their first loss under interim coach Twila Kilgore.
Mexico’s triumph comes as a surprise, considering their failure to qualify for the World Cup last year. However, they showcased their determination and resilience throughout the match, finishing atop Group A in the Gold Cup. The United States, despite their loss, managed to secure the second spot in the group, ensuring their advancement to the knockout round.
“They went out and they were bold, they were brave, with the dream of playing a good game against the United States,” expressed Mexico coach Pedro Lopez Ramos through an interpreter. This statement reflects the team’s unwavering spirit and their desire to prove themselves against one of the strongest teams in women’s soccer.
The first goal of the match came from Lizbeth Ovalle, who plays for Tigres. In the 28th minute, Ovalle capitalized on a defensive error by Becky Sauerbrunn, who unintentionally kicked the ball towards Ovalle. Seizing the opportunity, Ovalle skillfully floated a shot over goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and two defenders, finding the back of the net. This goal marked the first time the U.S. had conceded a goal to a Concacaf opponent in 33 matches.
Reflecting on the loss, interim coach Twila Kilgore acknowledged the evolving nature of women’s soccer and emphasized the need for execution and accountability. “I think it just shows how far the game is coming and there’s no easy games anymore. And if we don’t take care of business and we don’t execute, this is to be expected,” Kilgore stated. She also expressed confidence in her team’s ability to bounce back and remain motivated for future matches.
Mexico came close to scoring again just before halftime, with Karla Nieto’s shot hitting the crossbar. In the second half, Kiana Palacios had an opportunity to extend Mexico’s lead, but her shot deflected off defender Abby Dahlkemper. However, Mayra Pelayo sealed the victory for Mexico with a goal in stoppage time, prompting wild celebrations from the Mexican players.
Despite the disappointment of the loss, the United States had seen success from their young talents in the earlier matches of the tournament. Olivia Moultrie, 18, scored twice in a 5-0 victory over the Dominican Republic, while 19-year-old Jaedyn Shaw netted two goals in a 4-0 triumph against Argentina. However, Mexico proved to be a formidable opponent, and the U.S. struggled to recover after conceding the first goal.
Looking ahead, Mexico’s coach Pedro Lopez Ramos emphasized the importance of maintaining their momentum and not letting this victory become an isolated moment. He acknowledged that their true test lies in the quarterfinals and expressed hope for continued success.
The Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup, designed to provide more competitive matches for women’s teams in the region, has showcased the talent and determination of various teams. With twelve teams competing across three cities, namely Carson, San Diego, and Houston, the tournament has offered a platform for growth and development in women’s soccer.
As the group stage concludes, the teams will be reseeded for the quarterfinals, leaving Mexico and the United States eager to discover their opponents. Despite the loss, the United States can take pride in the fact that every player contributed to their journey in the Gold Cup. Diana Ordonez expressed the team’s pride while acknowledging that there is still work to be done.
The Mexico vs. United States match will undoubtedly go down in history as a remarkable upset, highlighting the unpredictability and excitement of women’s soccer. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more thrilling encounters and fierce competition as teams vie for the ultimate prize in the Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup.