Sophia Smith scored twice within the first ten minutes as United States women’s national team beat Jamaica 5-0 in group stage action on Thursday at the CONCACAF W Championship in Monterrey, Mexico.
With the win, the USWNT is on the verge of securing a spot at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. The four semifinalists of CONCACAF W will directly qualify for next year’s showcase, while the champions will additionally lock in a spot at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
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The win at Estadio BBVA keeps the USWNT in control of Group A of the inaugural edition of the tournament. Smith’s brace gave the U.S. squad an insurmountable lead on the night against the Caribbean side. The USMNT appeared to pad the scoreline but Mallory Pugh had a goal called offside in the 27th minute.
The USWNT handled business against Jamaica at the CONCACAF W Championship. Jaime Lopez/Jam Media/Getty Images
Rose Lavelle finally gave the USWNT the third goal on the night when she one-timed the ball into the net in the 59th minute. After Margaret Purce was fouled inside Jamaica’s box in the 81st minute, Kristie Mewis stepped up to the penalty spot to give her side the fourth. Mallory Pugh then assisted Trinity Rodman to a tap-in goal five minutes later to finalize the scoreline.
The U.S. played without Megan Rapinoe, who was in Washington to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She is expected to return to the squad this weekend.
Source: espn.co.uk
