Jacqueline Ovalle and Mayra Pelayo scored the goals that gave the victory to the Mexican women's soccer team
CARSON, Calif. – Mexico advanced to the quarterfinals of the Gold Cup soccer tournament after defeating the United States 2-0 in the so-called “CONCACAF Classic,” a showdown held Monday evening at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. , California.
Goals by Jacqueline Ovalie and Mayra Pelayo gave the Mexican women's national football team its second victory in history over the “Stars and Stripes” team, after recording a victory over the representative of the neighboring country to the north in the 2010 World Cup. The victory ended a series of 16 consecutive losses.
Offaly gave Trey Feminel the lead in the 38th minute after he took advantage of Becky Sauerbrunn's lack of concentration, allowing her to steal the ball and score with her left foot from the edge of the penalty area, without any opportunity for goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. In the 45th minute, Carla Nieto was close to extending the lead with a powerful shot that bounced off the crossbar.
In the sequel, both teams made adjustments, with the United States introducing reference players into their attack such as Alex Morgan, Margaret Purse and Jayden Shaw, while Mexico opted to make position-to-position changes in the final half of the match.
After coming on in the 81st minute, Xolos Femenil player Mayra Pelayo sealed the win for Mexico with a long-range shot in the 90+2 corner. The result allowed Mexico to advance as leader of Group A. The United States also qualified to the quarterfinals.
On the defensive end, the actions of Tijuana's Greta Espinosa, who took possession of the ball almost on the goal line, stood out, allowing Mexico to continue its unbeaten run under coach Pedro Lopez, a run that dates back to September 2022.
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