CARSON, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 26: Greta Espinoza #14 of Mexico goes up for a header with Lindsey … [+]
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Mexico defeated the U.S. women’s soccer team for only the second time in history, beating the four-time world champions 2-0 in the CONCACAF W Gold Cup in California on Monday.
Mexico took the lead in the first half through Lizbeth Ovalle as she lobbed the ball from the edge of the box over U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and two defenders.
Mayra Pelayo-Bernal then wrapped up the victory in stoppage time with a rocket-like strike from outside the box, as Mexico defeated the USA for only the second time in 43 meetings.
The Mexicans last defeated the Americans 2-1 during the 2010 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying.
Monday’s defeat in Carson, California also ended USA’s 80-match unbeaten streak at home against CONCACAF teams and it was USWNT’s first loss under interim coach Twila Kilgore.
U.S. forward Alex Morgan said the team did not put on their best performance.
“We just didn’t play nearly our best,” Morgan told CBS Sports in a post-match interview. “I think we found some pockets here and there, but not nearly enough.”
The USWNT, who scored nine goals in their first two matches, had only one of their eight shots on target against Mexico.
Morgan highlighted their poor performance in front of goal, saying: “We didn’t execute on the chances we had and I don’t think we tested the Mexico goalkeeper.
“We were broken down way too easily and Mexico played really well.
“Not only CONCACAF, but the whole world is continuing to raise its level. It’s helping with all the leagues around the world, and Mexico is definitely a product of that with their league,” Morgan added. “CONCACAF is not what it was 14 years ago when we had our last loss to Mexico.”
U.S. defensive midfielder Sam Coffey described the defeat as “unacceptable”.
“Obviously, it was not our best performance. At the end of the day we were outbattled and it is unacceptable,” Coffey said. “There is no excuse that we can make for ourselves. We now have to stay together as a group, learn from it and move on.”
Mexico, which failed to qualify for last year’s World Cup, finished atop Group A in the Gold Cup while the United States finished second. Both teams advanced to the knockout round.
“Mexico deserved to win and we have to take that to heart,” Coffey added. “And I know that this group will. [We] need to have our focus on going into the quarters.”