USWNT vs. Jamaica CONCACAF Women’s Championship Recap
The USWNT took on Jamaica in their second group stage match of the CONCACAF Women’s Championship with a spot in the World Cup on the line. After putting three goals past Haiti, the Americans managed to increase their goal tally and dominate their way to a spot in the World Cup. Haiti has made the group very interesting with their win over Mexico. That win helped the USWNT earn their WC spot without worrying about the third game. Without further ado, let’s recap an awesome night from Mexico between the USWNT and Jamaica.
The Jamaicans featured a couple of star players from both abroad and the NWSL. This year, Allyson Swaby has been a starter for Angel City FC, and Havana Solaun is still with the North Carolina Courage. Khadija “Bunny” Shaw is their superstar who plays for Manchester City. While watching these players in action was fun, the USWNT was simply too good. Sophia Smith and the Stars and Stripes jumped all over the Jamaicans with two goals in the first 10 minutes. The Reggae Girlz simply couldn’t play catchup at that point.
Smith’s first was a stunner. The striker got a touch on the ball and beat her defender to the spot down the right-wing. Few players are capable of an outside-the-boot finish like this, but she made it look easy. Mallory Pugh would’ve been right there for a tap-in even if she missed.
The first of the evening for @sophsssmith ☝️
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 7, 2022
The second goal came three minutes later. Sophia/Sofia squared linked up for another greater goal. Sofia Huerta is criminally underrated, and her ability to create chances from right-back will be huge for the USWNT. Huerta’s ball dropped right into Smith’s path, and the keeper was smart to try and come out to cut off the angle. However, Smith was too crafty and managed just to get enough of a touch to get it over the keeper and just over the line.
They call @sophsssmith “The Brace Queen” 👑 …
She’s got more braces than your local orthodontist 😬
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 7, 2022
In the blink of an eye, the USWNT were up 2-0, and they never looked back. Jamaica did well enough the rest of the first half, but 15 minutes into the second half, it was Rose Lavelle’s turn to strike. This is why your coaches always tell you to crash the goal and be ready just in case. Ashley Sanchez’s cross was intended for Ashley Hatch, and the defender did well to make the chance difficult. Unfortunately, they left Rose Lavelle wide open at the back post, who still had a tough finish from a weird angle.
Coming up Rose(s) in Monterrey 🌹
📺 » @paramountplus
pic.twitter.com/pZO4foHAiA— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 8, 2022
From there, it was smooth sailing for the USWNT with a penalty from Kristie Mewis and a tap-in for Trinity Rodman. The match ended 5-0, and the Americans easily secured their spot in Australia/New Zealand for the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The new-look roster is starting to gel well with each other and looks dangerous no matter how they attack. Plus, it’d be a huge surprise to see them concede a goal until a potential showdown with Canada in the final.
With a spot in the World Cup secured, the USWNT can now shift their focus to Olympic qualification. While the Mexico game doesn’t have as much importance as before, we’ll likely see some new players get an opportunity to play for the USWNT. Assuming Canada takes care of Costa Rica, the USWNT will have to get ready for Las Ticas to earn that spot in the Olympics next.
Featured image via @USWNT on Instagram
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