Four Thorns Feature in USWNT’s 4-0 win vs. Mexico

Crystal Dunn, Lindsey Horan, and Becky Sauerbrunn started in the U.S. Women’s National Team’s 4-0 thrashing of Mexico in East Hartford, CT. Adrianna Franch was subbed in to start the second half. Dunn and Sauerbrunn made up the left half of the U.S.’s backline and Horan played as the defensive midfielder.

The match started with the U.S dominating the possession stats but Mexico quickly got a foothold in the match and created their own spells of possession. The match was slow and choppy to start but as the sky opened up and the rain pounded down the match became more transitional and chances followed.

In the 21st minute, Alex Morgan pressed the Mexican defenders and Megan Rapinoe picked up the ball. Rapinoe found Kristie Mewis in the 18-yard box. K. Mewis cut inside and played the ball to her sister, Sam Mewis. S. Mewis shot from the top of the box and a slight deflection took the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

The U.S. had a great chance to double their advantage 10 minutes later. S. Mewis launched a long pass to the left flank to Rapinoe. Rapinoe crossed into the box to Morgan, who clanked her left-footed shot off the post.

Mexico looked to have a chance of their own in the 35th minute. Maria Sanchez beat Kelley O’Hara to a ball on the right flank. Sanchez drove into the box and Abby Dahlkemper cut across her to tackle the ball away.

Christen Press scored the U.S.’s second goal minutes later. Horan played a pass to S. Mewis, who was able to eliminate two Mexican defenders with her positioning. She dribbled toward the 18-yard box and released Rapinoe. Rapinoe cut her pass behind the Mexican defenders, who were crashing the goalmouth and Press was left unmarked and tapped it in.

Franch replaced goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher at halftime and played the second half. The U.S. solidified their superiority in the second half. The movement and passing were cleaner and more precise and chances followed especially as Dunn got higher up the pitch and was able to play dangerous passes into the box.

Rapinoe was gifted the ball on the top of the box after failing to clear an early cross. Rapinoe struck the ball with the outside of her boot and rattled the post.

Tobin Heath came on for Rapinoe in the 73rd minute and took two touches before scoring from distance. Morgan did well to hold up the ball and play Heath toward goal before surprising goalkeeper Emily Alvarado off her line. The ball hit the post and rolled in.

Dunn was replaced in the 78th minute. Horan helped orchestrate the U.S.’s fourth goal. She played substitute Tierna Davidson down the left. Davidson curled a cross to the near post and Press made it a brace with a flicked finish past Alvarado.

The U.S. will play Mexico again in East Hartford, CT on July 5. The match will kickoff at 2:00 p.m. PST