Utah Royals FC FW Christen Press, DF Becky Sauerbrunn and DF/FW Kelley O’Hara are representing the U.S. National Team well in the CONCACAF Women’s Championships, playing a vital role in the two victories for the U.S. with one goal and three assists, combined in victories over Mexico and Panama.
The U.S. opened the World Cup qualifying tournament, last Thursday with a 6-0 win over Mexico. Within the third minute of the match, Seattle Reign MF Megan Rapinoe scored a goal off a cross from Portland Thorns MF Lindsey Horan. Mexico’s defense pressured the U.S. team during the first half, and kept the match 1-0 at halftime.
The U.S took advantage early in the second half, when Chicago Red Star MF Julie Ertz struck a one-touch finish in the 47th minute. Four goals rapidly followed throughout the half; a second goal from Rapinoe, a header goal from Portland FW Tobin Heath and two goals from Orlando Pride FW Alex Morgan. Sauerbrunn distributed the assist that set up Morgan’s second and final goal of the match.
The second match was played Saturday as team USA defeated Panama 5-0. The U.S. scored in the fifth minute off a corner kick, delivered from Press, who placed the ball to North Carolina Courage MF Samantha Mewis for the finish. The second goal was a replica of the first, a corner kick from Press and finish by Sky Blue FC MF Carli Lloyd. Later, Lloyd added her second goal in the first half. Then, in the 32nd minute, Press received a ball from North Carolina Courage DF Abby Dahlkemper that split two Panama defenders, and sent Press on a breakaway. She faked Panama’s goalkeeper and scored her 46th international goal.
The U.S. moved into halftime ahead 4-0 and Lloyd polished a hat trick in the second half to seal a 5-0 success.
Already with a spot in the semifinals clinched, the U.S. will conclude group play Wednesday against Trinidad & Tobago.
URFC MF Diana Matheson is also making an appearance in the CONCACAF Women’s Championship for the Canadian National team. Canada sits as the leader for Group B after opening the tournament with a 2-0 victory over Jamaica and following up with a 12-0 win over Cuba. Matheson was a key playmaker during the game against Jamaica, as she contributed a goal and made significant distribution play that led Seattle Reign FW Adriana Leon to the back of the net. Canada will conclude group play on Thursday against Costa Rica.
