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Press and Mewis shine as USWNT rolls over Mexico

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The U.S. Women’s National Team looked sharp in their first of two Send-Off Series games against Mexico on Thursday night, topping their Concacaf rivals by a 4-0 margin.

Christen Press was the star of the show with her two goals, which makes it three scored in her last two games.

Samantha Mewis led the way in the first half by getting involved with both goals, setting the Americans up to put things on cruise control as they withstood the torrential downpour in East Hartford, Connecticut.

The highlight of the night belongs to Tobin Heath, who has been sidelined all year recovering from a knee injury. She fired off a golazo to silence any of her Olympic selection doubters mere seconds after stepping on the field as a second-half substitute.

 

As far as an encouraging team goal, the build-up which bared the fruit of the game’s second goal inspired some confidence. Mewis, Megan Rapinoe, and Press combined to punish El Tri with some unselfish play.

The opener was also memorable, with Samantha Mewis getting some help from sister Kristie to set up her 23rd career international goal.

The game was already well in hand when Press put a stamp on it in the 85th minute. Tierna Davidson assisted her by placing the ball on a dime at the mouth of the goal. Press’ job was simple from there and she executed with authority.

The early lead laid the groundwork for a comfortable win for the Americans who were swinging the hammer all evening. In the end, the USWNT managed to own 58% of the ball and outshoot their opponent 29-5.

Heading into the Olympics, the lopsided win should leave the team feeling confident. Improving upon it in Monday’s rematch presents a real challenge, though. Look for Heath to get more minutes, and perhaps see the return of Julie Ertz who also earned an Olympic invite despite missing significant time with injury.

The two sides will see each other once again on June 5, also at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT. That will be the USWNT’s last tune-up before boarding the flight to Tokyo for the Olympics.

Comments

  1. Macario, she just looked sooooo hungry with the new chance to be on the team with the rule change. Held nothing back, just full on going for it all out, deferring to no one. First time I’ve seen her like that in this uniform, it was awesome to see

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  2. the second half was impressive. Don’d know if Vlatko challenged them or what, but Dunn played her best soccer for that team in a while, and the entire squad came out with high energy and pressed hard, including Megan, and that changed the game. Mexico is better than they used to be, improving, but so is the USWNT. imo, Rapinoe is best suited now off the bench, especially in the knockouts so she is available for PKs if necessary vs. wilting down the stretch. Macario was all over the field when she came in, everywhere, please find her more time. Horan has been awesome playing the 6, and Dahlkamper’s precision releases help the team click. O’hara struggled agsain, she looks kind of worn down to me, Sonnett may get more playing time

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  3. I was impressed with our USWNT side last night. Despite the heaviest rain I have ever seen them playing in, they worked their way past an inspired Mexico Team with some textbook goals. No give-aways in this one. Looking sharp for our ladies as noted by Tyler, were Tobin Heath Christen Press, The Mewis Sisters, and Tierna Davidson
    who gave notice that she belongs where the action is, with a crossing pass that was put right on the foot of Press, who deftly deflected it up and over the GKs head. Tierna would probably be a starting Mid-Fielder on any other team but the USA. But will have to settle for valuable experience she will get just being part of the Olympic 18.

    Hopefully the next game on 7/5 will get dry weather so that everyone will be able to show their stuff without worrying about any injuries from a slippery pitch.

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    • hey Bill, good stuff. I love what Kristi brings to the already stacked midfield, her movement and ability to get into the attack with that bite and fight too in the middle

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      • Agreed BB. Kristi is a lot like Emily, in that they are both very assertive and can play all the positions. But both worry me sometimes with some hard fouls especially going after a ball they just lost or one they thought they should have gotten to first. At high-level matches like with the Euros right now, I have seen more RED CARDS
        for fouls which normally would have been yellow. So. I will keep my fingers crossed that any playing time they get in the Olympics is without incident.

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