US Women’s Strong Second Half Buries Mexico

from www.nwsl.com
Chalupny broke the deadlock at the start of the second half.

After a first half that saw the United States manage just one goal against a Mexican side the US has spent years tormenting, the United States found its finishing form.

Jill Ellis’s squad came out unsurprisingly in a 4-4-2 and paired the speedy Sydney Leroux and Christen Press up front.

Leroux was effective all day, routinely beating Mexican defenders on through balls and creating numerous chances for herself.

She was able to score a pair of goals on the night, including the US’s only tally of the first half.

In the second half, Ellis recognized the need for a new strike partner from Leroux and brought Abby Wambach onto the pitch.

The speed/power combination of Leroux and Wambach was too much for Mexico to handle.

The US kept  the ball for the overwhelming majority of the second half, and outscored Mexico 4-0 including a second half brace from Wambach.

The United States’ squad seemed to be calmed when second half substitute, defender Lori Chalupny broke the halftime draw in the 46th minute with a superb finish from a tough angle in the box.

Wambach calmly converted a penalty about 10 minute later and the rout was on for the USA.

The first half was a frustrating one for the US as it had developed chances but lacked the quality in the final third squandering all chances but the goal by Leroux.

Even more frustrating for the US was some sloppy defending that allowed Mexico to score their first goal against its neighbors to the North since 2010.

The USA concludes in pre-World Cup Send-off Series at Red Bull Arena on May 30th against Korea at 4:30 PM Eastern time.