The rest of the world is catching up to the United States Women’s National team.
That became apparent in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, where the USWNT lost in the quarterfinals, thus suffering the earliest exit in a major international tournament. On Monday night, Mexico became the latest team to close its own gap on the US, as goals from Lizbeth Ovalle and Mayra Pelayo-Bernal enabled Mexico to pull the upset in the Group A finale, as they defeated the US 2-0 at Dignity Health Sports Park.
The win is Mexico’s second over the US in 43 matches, with the other win coming back in November of 2010. That time, Mexico won a semifinal matchup against the US in the CONCACAF 2011 World Cup qualification tournament. That result forced the US to first beat Costa Rica in the third place match, then win a two-game playoff with Italy to qualify for the World Cup in Germany.
Mexico caught a break in the 38th minute and took full advantage. Karla Nieto sent a ball forward, Becky Sauerbrunn attempted to clear a ball, but Ovalle kept the pressure on, and Sauerbrunn’s clearance attempt went off Ovalle, who then tracked down the ball into the penalty area and found herself one on one with Naeher. Ovalle waited for the right moment, then lobbed a ball past Naeher and into the far post corner for a golazo that gave Mexico a 1-0 lead. Mexico however was not satisfied with one goal, and came within inches of putting the US in a surprising two-goal deficit, as Kiana Palacios won a ball, passed to Nieto, who proceeded to launch a volley from about 20 yards out that got past Naeher, but not the framework, as the ball bounced off he crossbar and back into play.
Perhaps the only thing more shocking than Mexico going up on the US was Mexico’s managing of the lead. A US flurry was surely expected, and head coach Twila Kilgore did her best to make that happen, as she subbed in Alex Morgan and Lynn Williams at the start of the second half and brought in Midge Purce and Jaedyn Shaw later in the half. Mexico however was able to neutralize the USWNT attack all throughout the match with a combination of defense, organization and possession. The US did not get a real look at a potential goal until the 89th minute, when Morgan played Trinity Rodman into the penalty area, Rodman shot a ball past keeper Esthefanny Barreras, but missed the far post.
Mexico wrapped up the game in stoppage time. Karen Luna sent a long ball forward, whether or not it was a pass intended for Pelayo or just a simple clearance is up for debate, but either way, the ball fell perfectly to Pelayo, who dribbled forward, then let loose a howler from about 21 yards out, the ball sailed over Naeher and into the upper corner net to seal the stunning win for Mexico.
The result means Mexico wins Group A, while the US finishes second. Both teams were virtually guaranteed of advancement as far back as Friday when the US won its second game of the group stage against Argentina, Mexico demolished the Dominican Republic 8-0 in the match before and Argentina could not make up that difference only managing three goals against the DR in Monday’s earlier match. Argentina however still has a chance to advance, as there are only twelve teams in this tournament and two of the three third place teams can advance based on rankings.