In the first game of an April doubleheader with Mexico, the USWNT cruised to a 4-1 victory in Jacksonville.
The U.S. came storming out of the gates, when in the sixth minute an Alex Morgan pass found Megan Rapinoe who slid the ball forward to Mallory Pugh for the goal, putting them up 1-0. It was the 19-year old phenom’s tenth career international goal, and her fourth of 2018.
All about the team. @tierna_davidson @alexmorgan13 @mPinoe @MalPugh
Back of the net. pic.twitter.com/UDFioMJWdc— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) April 5, 2018
After both teams failed to convert a few solid chances during the rest of the half, the U.S. took the one-goal lead into the break.
Only a few minutes into the second half, the U.S. blew the game open.
In the 51st minute, Alex Morgan was brought down in the box, drawing the penalty. She stepped up and the nailed the penalty shot, beating a diving Mexican keeper and giving the U.S. a 2-0 advantage.
Picked a corner. Buried it. No stopping this PK from @alexmorgan13.pic.twitter.com/ZG2UAiYW69
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) April 6, 2018
Morgan tallied a second goal just minutes later, scoring from a difficult angle towards the far post, giving the U.S. a 3-0 lead. The goal is Morgan’s tenth goal in 12 games, continuing her scoring hot streak for the Stars and Stripes.
.@alexmorgan13 is a national treasure.
Fill in the blank: This goal was ______.pic.twitter.com/O84G30ZjFr
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) April 6, 2018
Carli Lloyd added another goal for the U.S. just a minute later, giving them a commanding 4-0 lead. The goal is the 99th of Lloyd’s international career, just one shy of the century mark.
Feelin' fine with goal No. 99. @CarliLloyd cool as you like in the box.pic.twitter.com/781YooPRcT
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) April 6, 2018
Mexico was able to get on the scoreboard in the 64th minute, when Katie Johnson beat Alyssa Naeher off her line, making the score 4-1, which held until the final whistle.
It was a dominating win for the U.S., and they will look to continue their winning ways next match against Mexico, as they continue to prepare for CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying in the fall.
The U.S. will take on Mexico in a rematch on Sunday, April 8 in Houston. The game kicks off at 11:30 a.m. Mountain Time and will air on FOX.
Notes
Former BYU star Ashley Hatch gets second cap
BYU alum and 2017 NWSL Rookie of the Year Ashley Hatch subbed on in the 77th minute, registering her second career international appearance. She nearly tallied a goal in the waning seconds of the match, and hopefully she can start to see more time on the field for the USWNT in the future.
Carli Lloyd – 1 goal from 100
With a strike in the 54th minute, Carli Lloyd is one goal away from 100 for her international career. The 2-time FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year has a chance to join an elite group of players on Sunday. With her next goal she will become the sixth member of the 100-goal club, joining Tiffeny Milbrett, Michelle Akers, Kristine Lilly, Mia Hamm, and Abby Wambach.
