USWNT vs. Costa Rica CONCACAF Women’s Championship Semifinal Recap
The USWNT is now one game away from qualifying for the Olympics, just days after securing a spot in the 2023 World Cup. Costa Rica played the Americans very tough, but unfortunately, they were unable to muster too many chances in front of the goal. Just two total shots and no shots on target is not ideal for Las Ticas but the Costa Ricans will possibly head to an Olympic Qualification playoff matchup if they win the third-place match. On the flip side, the USWNT was able to fight through some adversity and end up scoring a couple of goals themselves. Here’s a quick recap of the CONCACAF Women’s Championship Semifinal between the United States and Costa Rica.
USWNT vs Costa Rica
The Costa Ricans came out in a 5-4-1 formation, a stark contrast to the 3-4-3 formation they played against Canada. Clearly, the strategy was to sit back and defend against the United States, and for 34 minutes, it was working. Unfortunately, Las Ticas’ backline failed to clear the ball, which led to Emily Sonnett’s first-ever international goal. The defender was in the right place at the right time.
A memorable first for @emilysonnett ⚽️
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) July 14, 2022
Just when it seemed like the Stars and Stripes were going to head into halftime with a one-goal lead, Rose Lavelle and Mallory Pugh combined for a moment of magic. The improvisation and creativity from Lavelle are special and exactly what is needed to break down tough defenses in games like this. Her sumptuous backheel found Pugh. Pugh slotted the ball past the keeper like she’s been doing all year for the Chicago Red Stars.
.@roselavelle’s 6th assist of 2022 and @MalPugh’s 6th goal of 2022 have us up 2-0 at the break!
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/mdITRUadt4
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) July 14, 2022
With a 2-0 lead, the USWNT vs Costa Rica match looked like it was over. But, naturally, with the amount of possession created, the US pressed on for a third. Once again, late in stoppage time of the second half, the Americans sealed the deal through Ashley Sanchez.
Ashley Sanchez with a right foot 🚀 to score the 3-0 for @USWNT! 🇺🇸#CWC pic.twitter.com/UQKnHBYe4g
— Concacaf W (@ConcacafW) July 15, 2022
Sanchez was ready to pounce after the ball deflected into her path, and she took her chance well. The ball flew into the goal with little fuss at all. The match ended 3-0, with the United States advancing to the final against a solid Costa Rica side. The degree of difficulty has increased with each match of the competition, and now the USWNT await their toughest test yet, the Canadians. It would be their first meeting since the Olympics. Revenge has to be on the mind of the Americans, along with securing their spot in Paris for 2024.
Featured image via @uswnt on Twitter
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