The U.S. women’s national team gained some needed confidence in the first of two pre-Olympic friendlies this month.
Sophia Smith’s second-half strike was all Emma Hayes’ squad needed to claim a 1-0 home victory over Concacaf rivals Mexico at Red Bull Arena. It marked the Americans’ eighth-straight win in all competitions.
The Americans were held at bay in the first half with Smith being denied on three different occasions. Rose Lavelle also had a first half header denied by Esthefanny Barreras as Mexico did well to head into the break goal-less.
Smith delivered the breakthrough goal though in the 64th minute after rifling Mallory Swanson’s pass into the top corner. The 23-year-old now has five goals this year for the USWNT and 20 all-time.
Smith came close to icing the result later in the half, but was denied by the post after racing in towards goal.
Mexico, who was under countless pressure in the match, registered just one shot on target over 90+ minutes.
23-year-old Croix Bethune made her USWNT debut off the bench while Korbin Albert and Crystal Dunn were also among the six substitutions made by Hayes.
The USWNT’s final pre-Olympic tuneup comes on Tuesday at Audi Field against Costa Rica.
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