United States forward Sophia Smith, front, falls while vying for the ball against, from back left to right, Mexico defender Rebeca Bernal, midfielder Alexia Delgado and defender Cristina Ferral during a CONCACAF Gold Cup women's soccer tournament match, Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
U.S. Women’s Soccer Suffers Second-Ever Loss to Mexico 2-0 – Mexico secured a historic 2-0 victory over the United States in the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup, marking only the second time the U.S. has been defeated by their rivals.
Lizbeth Ovalle and Mayra Pelayo netted goals for Mexico, with Ovalle’s 28th-minute strike being the first goal the U.S. conceded to a CONCACAF opponent in 33 matches.
The defeat was a significant setback for the U.S., who entered the match with a 40-1-1 record against Mexico, the only previous loss dating back to 2010.
Interim coach Twila Kilgore, taking charge after the team’s early exit from the Women’s World Cup last summer, suffered her first loss. Emma Hayes is set to assume coaching responsibilities this spring.
Despite Mexico’s failure to qualify for the previous year’s World Cup, they topped Group A in the Gold Cup, while the U.S. finished second. Both teams advanced to the knockout round. Mexico coach Pedro Lopez Ramos praised his team’s bold and brave performance, emphasizing the dream of playing a strong game against the U.S.
Ovalle’s opening goal in the 28th minute showcased Mexico’s determination, as she capitalized on a defensive error. U.S. defender Becky Sauerbrunn inadvertently kicked the ball towards Ovalle, who skillfully floated a shot over the goalkeeper and defenders into the net.
Kilgore acknowledged the evolving competitiveness of women’s soccer, stating, “There’s no easy games anymore.” She emphasized the need for execution and taking ownership to ensure success in future matches. Mexico came close to scoring again in the first half, hitting the crossbar in stoppage time.
Pelayo sealed the victory with a stoppage-time goal, prompting jubilant celebrations from the Mexican players. Despite the historic win, Lopez Ramos cautioned against complacency, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum in the upcoming quarterfinals.
The U.S. had previously seen success in the tournament with teenage players like Olivia Moultrie and Jaedyn Shaw scoring in earlier matches.
The Women’s Gold Cup, created to enhance competitiveness in the CONCACAF region, features twelve teams playing across three cities: Carson, San Diego, and Houston. Argentina also secured a 3-0 victory over the Dominican Republic in Group A earlier on the same day.
