FRISCO - CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying continued on Saturday afternoon at a sun-soaked and packed Toyota Stadium with a Carli lloyd goal giving the United States a hard-fought 1-0 win over Mexico.
After scoring within the first 15 seconds on Wednesday against Costa Rica, the U.S. found it much more difficult against a Mexico side that defeated Puerto Rico 6-0 in their first group stage match. The closest opportunity of the first half came late in the half with Carli Lloyd hitting a free kick just wide of the post from 30 yards out.
The United States hit the post in the second half before finally in the 80th minute, a handball in the box earned the US a penalty kick that was initially saved by the Mexico goalkeeper, but finished on the rebound by Lloyd.
The win sees the United States take top spot in the group barring an unlikely result in Monday's match vs Puerto Rico while the close loss for Mexico leaves them a goal ahead of Costa Rica on differential, meaning a draw or win in Monday's group finale would see them through to the semifinals.
In the first match of the day, Costa Rica rebounded from a 5-0 loss to the United States on Wednesday with a 9-0 thrashing of Puerto Rico. The Ticas won with hat tricks from Karla Villalobos and Raquel Rodriguez Cedeño to move to 1-0-1 on the week. They will advance to the semifinals of qualifying if they can beat Mexico on Monday at Toyota Stadium.
