The U.S. women continue their quest for glory in the first-ever CONCACAF W Gold Cup, as they match up against rivals Mexico in the final game of group stage play, trailing 1-0 to El Tri Femenil at the halftime break.
Twila Kilgore has this USWNT side already locked into the knockout stage, but they have not yet secured the top spot in Group A. Mexico could jump them with a win, which they currently hold at the half, but a draw would see the U.S. through with a first-place finish.
The W Gold Cup has been formatted to include a quick turnaround to allow top teams to prepare for the summer’s Olympic games, and the U.S. women will relish the chance to test themselves with just two days rest between group games.
The Sporting News is following the USWNT vs Mexico match live, providing score updates, commentary, and highlights as they happen.
MORE: A full look at the standings, schedule, and results from the entire 2024 W Gold Cup
USA vs Mexico live score
Score (70′)
Goal scorers
USA
0
–
Mexico
1
Ovalle (38′)
Kickoff: 10:15 p.m. ET / 7:15 p.m. PT
Location: Dignity Health Sports Park (Carson, CA)
Referee: Melissa Borjas Pastrana (HON), VAR: Drew Fischer (CAN)
Starting lineups:
USA (4-3-3, right to left): 1. Naeher (GK) — 23. Fox (Purce, 71′), 2. Dahlkemper, 5. Sauerbrunn, 19. Dunn — 10. Horan, 17. Coffey (Albert, 71′), 16. Lavelle — 22. Rodman, 11. Smith (Morgan, 46′), 6. L. Williams (Sonnett, 46′).
Mexico (4-5-1, right to left): 21. Barreras (GK) — 5. Luna, 4. Bernal, 14. G. Espinoza, 2. N. Hernandez — 11. Ovalle, 16. Nieto, 15. Ferral, 8. Delgado, 7. M. Sanchez (Casarez, 68′) — 9. Palacios.
USA vs Mexico live updates, highlights, commentary
USA vs Mexico: Second Half
67th min: Mexico want a penalty after Kiana Palacios’s shot hits the arm of Abby Dahlkemper, but it’s not given, correctly, as it hit the U.S. defender in the shoulder with her arm down by her side.
Pedro Lopez makes his first swap of the game, as Maria Sanchez comes off and is replaced by Jasmine Casarez. Twila Kilgore responds by bringing on Korbin Albert and Midge Purce to replace Emily Fox and Sam Coffey.
66th min: Chance, USA! Trinity Rodman finally latches onto a vertical ball and unlocks the Mexico defense, but takes ages to get a shot off and is dispossessed before testing the goalkeeper! Rodman displayed the best off-ball movement of any U.S. forward so far to get herself free, but it’s extremely poor not to get a shot off. That was the moment! Came up well short.
It’s worth noting how well Mexico has held up to the physical side of things. The #USWNT has so often been able to push Mexico around in these games…not tonight, even a little bit.
— Jason Anderson (@JasonDCsoccer) February 27, 2024
65th min: The United States still seem wholly incapable of connecting a pass in the final third. Mexico aren’t doing much attacking themselves, but they are pressing every ball carrier and every passing lane, and the U.S. can’t cope. We’re back to “do something” territory.
56th min: Lindsey Horan drives forward with pace and strength, winning a free-kick from around 27 yards out. She’s there to take it as well, and obliterates the ball into orbit. A moment emblematic of the U.S. performance thus far.
52nd min: Paramount+ sideline reporter Jenny Chu states that Twila Kilgore gave the team “solutions” at halftime, stating that she “told them where the space is.”
So far, it doesn’t look like they absorbed the information at halftime, as the USWNT look just as messy as they did before the break. It’s a mess so far.
Kickoff: The second half is under way outside Los Angeles. This is a big 45 minutes for both sides, and there are changes for the United States. Emily Sonnett and Alex Morgan are entering, while Sophia Smith and Lynn Williams come off.
Sonnett’s introduction should solve a fair few problems in midfield, although it’s interesting that she comes on for a forward rather than a straight swap with Sam Coffey.
HALFTIME: USA 0-1 Mexico
To put it plainly, Mexico deserve their shocking lead. It was a truly miserable first half from the United States women, harkening back to all the same issues that plagued them in the 2023 Women’s World Cup disappointment. The attacking flow is totally and utterly isolated, as Trinity Rodman and Sophia Smith have zero link with the midfield. There’s just no link-up whatsoever, leaving the USWNT midfield to send it long or feed vertical balls to nobody.
Meanwhile, Mexico were happy to play into their hands by possessing the ball en masse, which didn’t suit them, and instead they switched to pressing the U.S. hard in midfield and springing counter-attacks. The latter approach sparked their increased danger, and they eventually went in front, nearly bagging another before the break.
The first two matches seemed to signal the USWNT were on their way back to their traditional dominance, but these 45 minutes proved they still have a long way to go. They need significant improvement at the halftime break, because as it stands, Mexico will finish atop Group A and the U.S. will finish an embarrassing second.
33 – Jacqueline Ovalle’s goal for Mexico ends a run of 33 straight shutouts for the #USWNT in official Concacaf competitions. The U.S. had outscored opponents 158-0 in those games. Breakthrough. pic.twitter.com/KzooxdMO2U
— OptaJack⚽️ (@OptaJack) February 27, 2024
USA vs Mexico: First Half
45+1 min: Chance, Mexico! EL TRI FEMENIL HIT THE CROSSBAR! The visitors nearly take a two-goal lead as Karla Nieto rips an utterly ridiculous shot from miles out that curls up and over Alyssa Naeher and slams the woodwork. That’s so close to a tried and true golazo!
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) February 27, 2024
38th min: GOAL! MEXICO! The underdogs have gone in front as Jackie Ovalle scores an absolute STUNNER! She picks Becky Sauerbrunn’s pocket with high pressure, and then as Alyssa Naeher comes out to defend at the top of the penalty area, Ovalle produces a sensational chip over the goalkeeper and in! The United States are stunned, having just conceded a goal to a CONCACAF opponent in competitive play since 2010!
It’s also the first goal by Mexico against the United States in over six full matches of play.
¡Ovalle con un golazo abre el marcador para México! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/3fWWMsMfXB
— W Gold Cup (@GoldCup) February 27, 2024
35th min: Chance, USA! Something happened! Emily Fox gets in a good position out top of the penalty area and fires a shot on goal. It’s far too central, and easy for Esthefanny Barreras to get down and smother, but it’s at least a shot on goal! Baby steps.
28th min: Sam Coffey commits a clumsy foul to give Mexico a set-piece chance from around 25 yards out, but Maria Sanchez’s delivery is easily cleared by the U.S. The hosts look bereft of any motivation or intent, content right now to let Mexico possess the ball, who in turn feel like they didn’t expect to have this much possession and don’t know what to do with it. Both teams waiting for the other to make a move.
The first yellow card is then shown to Lizbeth Ovalle who gets a handful of Coffey’s shorts and pulls her back.
24th min: The most interesting thing that’s happened so far is that Mexico are doing a weird thing on goal kicks where they hide a player behind the goalie and have her boot it instead of Esthefanny Barreras. Weird, idk.
Maria Sanchez comes close to getting on the end of a cross, but it goes out wide without making solid contact, defended awkwardly but effectively by Abby Dahlkemper. Fans in Carson begging for something to cheer about.
— Kyle Bonn (@the_bonnfire) February 27, 2024
17th min: The U.S. has its best move forward, but it doesn’t come to much after Rose Lavelle charges through midfield and is closed off. The early stage of this match is essentially a manifestation of the “do something” meme. We’re collectively poking Dignity Health Sports Park with a stick.
10th min: In the aftermath of another Mexico foray into the USWNT final third, which ends with the offside flag being raised, Emily Fox requires medical attention, possibly for a bloody lip.
A minute later, Lizbeth Ovalle takes a whack to the face from Lindsey Horan, and she’s down needing treatment. Horan probably got away with a potential booking there, that’s a nasty trailing arm.
4th min: Mexico have shown real intent here early on, looking to hit on the counter-attack and venturing forward through the U.S. midfield a few times. They earn the match’s first corner in the process, which is dealt with awkwardly by Alyssa Naeher as she punches clear to the opposite flank.
Kickoff: They’re under way at Dignity Health Sports Park! There was speculation on the Paramount+ pregame show that the U.S. could play in a 3-4-3 formation with Crystal Dunn in midfield, but at least from the kickoff, that doesn’t appear to be the case, as they come out in a traditional 4-3-3.
🇺🇲v🇲🇽 about to kick off in the W Gold Cup!
Considering the weather on a Monday, decent turnout. Should be a good one. pic.twitter.com/VGlt9UAPZz
— Cesar Hernandez (@cesarhfutbol) February 27, 2024
USA vs Mexico: Pre-match commentary, analysis, stats, and more
15 mins to kickoff: U.S full-back Emily Fox highlights “counter-measures” will be important in defense today against Mexico, while noting the USWNT squad does know goals are important for the group standings.
“Its a rivalry like you said so I know for us we’re prepared, ready for it, we’re excited” 👀 ⚽️@___emilyfox shares the @USWNT ‘s game plan for tonight’s matchup vs Mexico 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/67dwZoxfGq
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) February 27, 2024
30 mins to kickoff: Let’s break down the scenarios for the USWNT tonight. They have already confirmed a spot in the knockout stage, but need to secure at least a draw
Now let’s look at their possible knockout round seeding. The CONCACAF W Gold Cup uses a reseeding table to set the bracket in the knockout stage. A top-two finish sees the U.S. draw one of the two third-place qualifiers, which is key. They sit one goal back of Canada in differential, but have an enormous 7-goal differential advantage over Brazil. Thus, if they win tonight, they should be set for a top-two seed.
If, however, they fail to win, it would open the door for a Brazil victory over struggling Panama to jump them on points and leave the U.S. to face a second-place finisher in the quarterfinals. Or, worst of all, defeat would mean they would finish behind Mexico in second and have a very difficult first knockout game. A convincing win still has significant competitive value tonight, more than just being a momentum builder.
Two match days down, one to go!
A look at how things stand across all three groups at the Concacaf W Gold Cup with the quarterfinals on the horizon.
Group A (🧵1/3) pic.twitter.com/AzBYTccUpu
— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) February 26, 2024
45 mins to kickoff: Mexico will line up in their greens today, with the U.S. in white. It’s a very interesting lineup for head coach Pedro Lopez, as he changes out his front line after the 8-0 win over the Dominican Republic, but not with those expected to come in.
Diana Ordonez is swapped out of the XI, replaced not by veterans Stephany Mayor or Charlyn Corral, but instead by an extra defensive midfielder as 31-year-old Cristina Ferral comes into the side.
#Women | Green always suits us well💚🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/f4qSuGvE1X
— Mexican National Team (@miseleccionmxEN) February 26, 2024
1 hour to kickoff: The U.S. lineup is in. Alyssa Naeher returns in goal, and the side is, largely, a first-choice squad for Twila Kilgore. The only guaranteed starter not appearing is Naomi Girma, who is rested again ahead of the knockout stage, replaced by Abby Dahlkemper. Additionally, Sam Coffey takes the No. 6 position with Emily Sonnett on the bench, and Alex Morgan is sat in favor of Lynn Williams.
🔒-in. pic.twitter.com/GY61AycEGX
— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) February 27, 2024
1 hour 15 mins to kick: The USWNT has blasted Mexico in recent memory. They have not conceded a goal to their border neighbors in six straight matches, a run of 606 consecutive shutout minutes, dating back to the 24th minute of a crazy 6-2 U.S. victory in 2018.
They have won 16 straight overall against Mexico, their fifth-longest winning streak against any single opponent in history, outscoring Mexico 65-4 in that span. That is part of a larger, and truly bonkers, 80-game unbeaten run against CONCACAF opposition on home soil, with 78 wins and two draws across that run going all the way back to December of 2000.
The @USWNT has won the last 16 matches over Mexico, outscoring them 65-4 over that span 😳🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/FySdOxWPK6
— Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast (@SOTUWithAlexi) February 26, 2024
1 hour 30 mins to kick: Looks like the USWNT will go with their white paint splatter kit tonight for the final group match of the 2024 W Gold Cup.
The USWNT is ready for more action! 🇺🇸🤩 pic.twitter.com/6hmIbU54zs
— W Gold Cup (@GoldCup) February 27, 2024
1 hour 45 mins to kick: With the U.S. women in Carson, CA for their W Gold Cup group matches, now retired national team players Christen Press and Tobin Heath were on hand to watch the LA Galaxy take on Lionel Messi and Inter Miami yesterday. They were treated to a dramatic finish!
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) February 26, 2024
2 hours to kickoff: Alex Morgan’s presence keeps her as the most popular player in this U.S. women’s squad, but after the retirement of Julie Ertz, Lindsey Horan has built herself into the most irreplaceable player in this USWNT team. She has an absolute motor, has a deadly vertical ball, and can score in multiple ways — the most prominent being with her head.
Horan is potentially one of the most underrated players in recent USWNT history, as she often toils in the shadows of flashier players. As this side looks to move forward from last summer’s disappointment, Horan will be a leader in that process.
10 – Lindsey Horan is the 7th @USWNT player to score a goal in 10 straight calendar years.
15 – M. Hamm (1990-2004)
14 – A. Wambach (2002-15)
12 – T. Milbrett (1992-2003)
12 – C. Lloyd (2010-21)
11 – S. Boxx (2003-13)
10 – A. Morgan (2010-19)
10 – L. HORAN (2015-24)
Leader. pic.twitter.com/rbq9wnAj8k
— OptaJack⚽️ (@OptaJack) February 24, 2024
USA vs Mexico lineups, team news
Interim head coach Twila Kilgore has mixed up her starting lineup for each of the first two W Gold Cup group stage matches to get players time, but has elected a strong XI for the group finale in preparation for the knockout round.
Alyssa Naeher returns in goal, while Sam Coffey gets a chance at the No. 6 over Emily Sonnett. Stud defender Naomi Girma is rested, as both Becky Sauerbrunn and Abby Dalhkemper are deployed at center-back, leaving in-form newcomer Jenna Nighswonger amongst the substitutes.
Players out injured include Mia Fishel who tore her ACL in pre-tournament training, as well as Mal Swanson who is close to a return from her serious knee injury but not quite there. Cat Macario remains in the final stages of her knee injury rehab but should be on the mend and back soon for Chelsea and in the mix thanks to the absence of both Fishel and Australia star Sam Kerr.
USA starting lineup (4-3-3): Naeher (GK) — Fox, Dahlkemper, Sauerbrunn, Dunn — Horan, Coffey, Lavelle — Rodman, Smith, L. Williams.
USA subs (12): Murphy (GK), Campbell (GK), Girma, Nighswonger, Davidson, Krueger, Sonnett, Albert, Moultrie, Purce, Shaw, Morgan.
Mexico head coach Pedro Lopez rotated his forward unit against Dominican Republic, but has added a few wrinkles for this big game against a familiar opponent.
Most notably, Stephany Mayor, the only player on this roster with triple digit international caps, and fellow veteran forward Charlyn Corral are not in the XI, with Diana Ordonez instead replaced by an extra defensive-minded player in Cristina Ferral.
Inexperienced Esthefanny Barreras is the starter in goal after veteran Cecilia Santiago suffered a broken finger earlier this month. Young star Scarlett Camberos, primed for minutes after her winter move to NWSL side Bay FC, is also missing due to a hamstring injury.
Mexico starting lineup (4-4-2): Barreras (GK) — Luna, Bernal, G. Espinoza, N. Hernandez — Ovalle, Nieto, Ferral, Delgado, M. Sanchez — Palacios.
Mexico subs (12): Tajonar (GK), I. Gonzalez (GK), R. Reyes, Ki. Rodriguez, Ka. Rodriguez, A. Torres, Mauleon, Pelayo, Casarez, Mayor, D. Ordonez, Corral.
How to watch USA vs Mexico
Date: Monday, Feb. 26, 2024
Time: 10:15 p.m. ET / 7:15 p.m. PT
TV channel (English): None
Streaming (English): Paramount+
TV channel (Spanish): ESPN Deportes
Streaming (Spanish): ESPN+, Fubo
The English-language broadcast for the U.S. women in this W Gold Cup group stage match will be exclusively on streaming service Paramount+.
Meanwhile, there is a Spanish-language broadcast available on television from ESPN Deportes, which is available to stream on Fubo in the United States as well as ESPN+.
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