USWNT Lose To Mexico For Only The Second Time In History

Mexico defeated the United States women’s national soccer team for the second time in history, beating the four-time world champions 2-0 in the CONCACAF W Gold Cup in California on Monday.

Mexico took the lead in the first half through Lizbeth Ovalle when she launched the ball from the edge of the box over American goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and two defenders.

Mayra Pelayo-Bernal then wrapped up the victory in extra time with a rocket-like shot from outside the box as Mexico defeated the United States for just the second time in 43 meetings.

The last time the Mexicans defeated the Americans 2-1 was during qualifying for the 2010 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Monday’s loss in Carson, California also ended the United States’ 80-match unbeaten streak at home against CONCACAF teams and was the USWNT’s first loss under interim coach Twila Kilgore.

American forward Alex Morgan said the team did not perform at its best.

“We just didn’t play the best we could,” Morgan told CBS Sports in a postgame interview. “I think we found some pockets here and there, but not enough.”

The USWNT, which scored nine goals in its first two games, only had one of its eight shots on goal against Mexico.

Morgan highlighted his poor performance in front of goal, saying: “We didn’t take advantage of the opportunities we had and I don’t think we tested the Mexico goalkeeper.

“They defeated us too easily and Mexico played very well.

“Not only CONCACAF, but the entire world continues to raise its level. It is helping all the leagues around the world, and Mexico is definitely a product of that with its league,” added Morgan. “CONCACAF is not what it was 14 years ago, when we suffered our last defeat against Mexico.”

American defensive midfielder Sam Coffey called the loss “unacceptable.”

“Obviously it wasn’t our best performance. At the end of the day we were defeated and that is unacceptable,” Coffey said. “There is no excuse we can make ourselves. “Now we have to stay together as a group, learn from it and move forward.”

Mexico, which failed to qualify for last year’s World Cup, finished atop Group A in the Gold Cup, while the United States finished second. Both teams advanced to the knockout round.

“Mexico deserved to win and we have to take it seriously,” Coffey added. “And I know this group will do it. [We] We need to concentrate on reaching the quarterfinals.”