US Women Continue to Roll

FRISCO, Texas  – The U.S. Women’s National Team assured itself a place in the semifinal of the 2016 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship with a 1-0 win against Mexico at Toyota Stadium. With the win, the USA now sits atop Group A with six points, three clear of Costa Rica and Mexico.

The six points puts the USA through to the semifinal round in Houston on Feb. 19 as Costa Rica meets Mexico in the Group A finale for both teams on Feb. 15 and only one of those countries can accrue six points. The winners of the semifinal matches qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

The USA will take first place in the group with a win or a tie against Puerto Rico on Monday, Feb. 15 (7:30 p.m. CT, NBCSN) as it continues its quest for a berth to the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

In a match that saw Mexico play defensively in a 5-4-1 formation the entire match, the Americans at times struggled to break down a highly organized bunker, but the USA finally broke through on a penalty kick in the 80^th minute. Carli Lloyd’s initial low, driven shot was well-saved by Mexico goalkeeper Cecilia Santiago, but Lloyd was first to the rebound and rolled it into the open net for the game’s lone goal. The USA earned the penalty kick when Karla Nieto was whistled for a hand ball in the box.

Earlier in the day, Costa Rica defeated Puerto Rico 9-0 in Group A action, tying both the Ticas and Mexico for second in the group with three points each, but Mexico (+5) leads on goal differential over Costa Rica (+4) heading into their match-up on Monday. With a win or a tie, Mexico will join the U.S. in semifinals.  Costa Rica needs to win to advance.

Credit : USWNT