USWNT vs Mexico CONCACAF Women’s Championship Recap

In the final group stage game of the CONCACAF Women’s Championship, the USWNT and Mexico duked it out in an intense battle. Mexico was ready to go while playing in front of their home fans while Vlatko Andonovski put out one of the best possible lineups for the Stars and Stripes. In a game that didn’t have much meaning in terms of the competition, both teams still gave everything they had, which was a great sight to see. Here’s a quick recap of how things went down from the Estadio Universitario during the USWNT vs Mexico. 

As expected, the first half was dominated mainly by the USWNT, but Mexico did everything they could to make it ugly. Once every couple of minutes, it seemed a different American player was on the ground wincing in pain. That’s one of the best strategies anyone can have against the USWNT, to foul them and try to get as physical as possible.

Frustration was starting to build as the USWNT vs Mexico game went on and the fouls helped break up the flow of the game to slow things down. 

Midge Purce came the closest to scoring in the first half with a shot that almost found its way home off the post.

MIDGE PURCE OFF THE WOODWORK FOR THE @USWNT. 😱 pic.twitter.com/S1fAylcU4U

— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) July 12, 2022

Purce had a tough angle, and the fact she was still able to hit the post from there was impressive, but surely Purce herself would say she’d like to have that one back and stick it home. This version of Mexico was missing from the first two games, but when you’re playing the USWNT, your energy levels and intensity will be higher automatically. 

The beginning of the second half was more of the same. The USWNT was unable to find a clear-cut chance to truly finish, with most of their shots being right at the Mexican keeper, Itzel Gonzalez.

As the match went on, it seemed the USWNT was never going to score that goal, and Mexico was minutes away from drawing with the United States for only the second time ever. But two more key events would transpire that impacted the end result.

Mexico’s Lizbeth Ovalle was sent off for this challenge on Rose Lavelle, and rightfully so. Please do not watch this if you’re squeamish–this could’ve possibly resulted in a broken ankle, but thankfully Rose Lavelle was okay. 

Mexico is down to ten players in the 73' after a VAR review leads to a red card for Lizbeth Ovalle.

Mexico has red cards in consecutive #ConcacafW games.

🎥 @AttackingThirdpic.twitter.com/tnSM3ao6In

— The Athletic Soccer (@TheAthleticSCCR) July 12, 2022

The Americans were eventually able to capitalize, with Mexico playing with ten out on the pitch. Ashley Sanchez was the creator with her insane dribbling ability down by the endline, and Taylor Kornieck played a nice chipped-cross to the back post.

Emily Sonnett got a head to it, and Itzel Gonzalez tried to keep it out, but the ball went off the crossbar and right to Kristie Mewis. Mewis tapped the ball in, and the United States finally had their goal.

KRISTIE MEWIS IN THE 89TH MINUTE. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/nWAXrE4bmq

— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) July 12, 2022

VAR would review for offside, and it honestly looked like from the angle on TV that Sonnett might’ve been just offside. But I’m not a referee, and any USWNT fan will not be complaining about getting the benefit of the doubt. Mexico fought their hearts out and deserved a draw in front of their home fans based on how hard they played. But that’s how cruel this game can be. After 89 minutes of standing on their heads, the ball just didn’t bounce their way when they needed it to. 

The USWNT earned the top spot in Group A, which means they take on a tough Costa Rica team that earned the second spot from Group B. With Olympic qualification on the line, that matchup will surely be one for the books on July 14.

Featured image via Getty Images

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