Luke Stergiou
Senior Photographer
USWNT Defeat Mexico 6-0
On Thursday, October 4, The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) beat Mexico 6-0 at Sahlen’s Stadium in North Carolina, making a strong start for theforthe team’s qualifying campaign for the 2019 Women’s World Cup.
The U.S. broke down the Mexican team very early on, with Megan Rapinoe after Mexico’s Cristina FerrellFerral hit a poor clearance, causing Lindsey Horan to capitalize on the chance, make a pass to Rapinoe and slot it home to make it 1-0 to the United States in the third minute. Neither team scored again in the first half, with the scoring remaining 1-0 to the United States after the first 45 minutes.
The second half was much more dramatic, with the United States scoring 5 more goals. It started off when defensive midfielder Julie Ertz took advantage of a failed attempt to clear the ball after a free kick from Megan Rapinoe deflected wide and landed right in the path of Ertz, who put it past the Mexico goalkeeper to make it 2-0 to the U.S.
Alex Morgan would score next, after she headed home a corner kick from Megan Rapinoe in the 57th minute, making the score 3-0. This goal is also her 91st career goal for the United States Women’s National team.
The next thirty minutes would add three more goals for the U.S., with Tobin Heath, Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan all scoring respectively, making the final score 6-0 to the United States Women’s National Team.
This win in the Concacaf Women’s Championship opener was a huge win towards the team’s 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign. The reigning women’s World Cup champions are looking to have a great qualifying campaign to make sure the team has every chance to become world champions once again in 2019.
Some members of the World Cup winning squad from 2015, including Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe, are looking to lead a younger team to World Cup glory and win the prestigious trophy for the second consecutive time. Players including Rose Lavelle, Mallory Pugh, Abby Dahlkemper and Crystal Dunn are looking to make their first Women’s World Cup Appearance next summer, with all players proving to be a vital part in this United States Women’s National Team.
The Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign might have just started, but the USWNT are looking very promising from the start. A big win against their rivals, Mexico, will definitely boost the team’s morale and help build the confidence of the team heading into other qualifying games. At this rate, I believe the Women’s National team will qualify for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. I’m also excited to see the new young players that might get their first appearances in World Cup qualifying and potentially World Cup games next summer.
Luke Stergiou can be
contacted at
Lstergiou@kscequinox.com
