United States 4, Mexico 0
Back in 2004, Mexico upset Canada for a spot in the Olympics. Since then, Canada and the United States have been dominant in keeping up consistent appearances in the Olympics. The same thing can be said this year, as the U.S. women’s national team is heading back to the Olympics. Four-time gold medalists, the United States will vie for a fifth gold medal in Tokyo this summer. They qualified, taking one of two Concacaf spots, after a 4-0 victory against Mexico.
🌹 Rose Lavelle gets the #USWNT on the board early! She takes her shot right outside of the 18 and it's good! #USAvMEX | 1-0 pic.twitter.com/7TiOYEdbd4
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) February 8, 2020
Canada is also heading to Tokyo, as the Canadians have two bronze medals in the tournament.
The United States claimed victory in California on Friday night, with Sam Mewis leading the charge and scoring two goals to record a brace. Also finding the back of Emily Alvarado’s net were Rose Lavelle and Christen Press. Press, who came on as a substitute in the 68th minute, scored five minutes after entering the match. The tally now totals six-straight matches where Press has an international goal.
Sam Mewis scores her 17th international goal! The #USWNT goes up 2-0 against Mexico. #USAvMEX | 2-0 pic.twitter.com/ozTpcRwCma
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) February 8, 2020
The United States were subdued a bit in the first half, with Mexico keeping the United States at bay for about 30 minutes. However, Mexico could not capitalize on their six shots, with only one going on frame to position Alyssa Naeher to make a save. Meanwhile, in net for Mexico, Emily Alvarado kept busy, making seven saves.
Of note for the United States was defender Crystal Dunn, who made her 100th international appearance for the United States against Mexico. Dunn had a chance in the second half to score, but sailed her shot wide of Alvarado’s net.
Sam Mewis has ✌️ tonight! #USAvMEX | 3-0 pic.twitter.com/pbLh3iqMlg
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) February 8, 2020
There’s one more match left in the official Olympic Qualifying tournament. However, the two teams are set in stone for the Olympics. Canada and the United States will face off for the top spot in the qualifying tournament on Sunday. The match will begin at 6 p.m. EST.
— Rachael Kriger
6️⃣ Straight matches with a goal for Christen Press! 🔥#USAvMEX | 4-0 pic.twitter.com/slre0HZ9nw
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) February 8, 2020
Canada 1, Costa Rica 0
Jordyn Huitema‘s bizarre goal was all Canada on Friday in a 1-0 win over Costa Rica which qualified the Canadians for the 2020 Olympics.
The 18-year-old Huitema broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute, tucking away her own rebound after her initial shot on an empty net bounced off the far post and came right back to her.
Jordyn Huitema scores a BIZARRE goal and Canada takes a 1-0 lead deep into the second half. pic.twitter.com/BAKtSa6qzF
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) February 8, 2020
Canada coach Kenneth Heiner-Moller tinkered with his formation throughout the match, oscillating between a three-back and a four-back as Canada struggled to break down Costa Rica’s shape. They eventually did thanks to substitute Deanne Rose getting in behind and finding Huitema.
Huitema’s follow-up shot was the only of the match that Canada managed to put on target.
Costa Rica is eliminated from Olympic contention. Las Ticas have never played in the Olympics for women’s soccer. Canada won the bronze medal at each of the past two Olympic Games.
— Jeff Kassouf