The US Women's National Team got their Olympic Qualifying quest underway in positive fashion as they defeated Costa Rica 5-0 during the week. Alex Morgan got a goal 12 seconds into the game and the team never looked back. Morgan snagged two goals while Carli Lloyd, Crystal Dunn and Christen Press all got their names in the box score with goals during the win as they look to keep the momentum high and the aggression. Now they will clash with Mexico who got a big win over their own.
Mexico is coming off a big win over Puerto Rico to keep them first in the standings due to goal differential. They beat the team 6-0 thanks to big games from Maribel Dominguez who got a hat trick in the game. Alina Garciamendez, Nayeli Rangel and Katlyn Johnson also recorded goals in the win and will be a test for the US defense. Hope Solo is ready for the big scoring of Mexico who could break into that backline of the US that dominated in the World Cup.
The US will continue to work in the youth on the roster to see who is really a good fit to bring to Rio. The team is without a lot of veteran leadership right now with injuries to players like Christie Rampone and Megan Rapinoe. As a result, players like Lindsey Horan is getting the start and thriving in the role that Lauren Holiday held. Mallory Pugh and Jaelene Hinkle got minutes against Costa Rica and could see time against Mexico as well. However, players like Kelley O'Hara will likely be subbed in or get the start against Mexico. She did not play against Costa Rica.
Mexico will not be an easy opponent. The team continues to improve, something they showed in the World Cup. They tied Columbia in the tournament opener before losing to England and France. However, the strong showing against Puerto Rico could be a turning point. Getting the 6-0 win should get the attention of the US. They have come to this tournament eyeing a win. The US has never lost an Olympic Qualifying match and do not intend to start now. The connection of Lloyd and Morgan is thriving while the depth on defense is growing. They hope to be enough to top Mexico.