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USWNT Comfortably Beats Mexico to Wrap Send Off Series Before World Cup

Follow for updates and watch all the highlights of goals and key plays from USWNT's send-off friendly against Mexico.  

Luis Miguel Echegaray

USWNT Comfortably Beats Mexico to Wrap Send Off Series Before World Cup
USWNT Comfortably Beats Mexico to Wrap Send Off Series Before World Cup /

The U.S women's national team wrapped up its send-off series and said goodbye to fans before heading to the World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory against Mexico at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.

After big wins against South Africa (3-0) and New Zealand (5-0) this month, Jill Ellis's 23-player squad looked for one more confidence-boosting performance before leaving for France and in front of a packed house it did just that.

The U.S, unshockingly, started with a tremendous amount of aggression as it wanted to give fans a good send off. The midield trio of Rose Lavelle, Julie Ertz and Sam Mewis were taking advantage of acres of space and looked to find key target Alex Morgan at every opportunity.  

But thanks to Tobin Heath and a gift from Mexico, the U.S led 1-0 as the attacker took advantage of a goalkeeper's error. Heath grabbed the lead and her 30th international goal.

Morgan could have made it 2-0 in the 28th minute thanks to a great left-sided cross from Crystal Dunn, but the forward failed to make it count. As the half developed, the pace of the game slowed and the Americans, despite dominating, could not find a second.

A great save from stopper and Mexico's captain Cecilia Santiago kept the score at 1-0 just before the break. Santiago made another fantastic one-handed save, helping the visiting team once again before the whistle blew.  

Jill Ellis made several changes in the second half including Carli Lloyd, who almost scored immediately after the restart. The veteran received a pass from the other substitute Lindsey Horan, took it around the keeper, but the attempt was cleared by Mexico's backline.

A perplexing decision from Ellis in the last 45 was placing Heath as a left back. It was no surprise to see the star player do well and handle the responsibility but that didn't make it any less intriguing. Heath, naturally, was composed in the position. 

In the 66th minute, Lloyd once again threatened to score but she was correctly called for offside. But she made her presence count once again and it was thanks to her fantastic work on the left that found Mallory Pugh inside the box to make it 2-0.

The game was done and dusted when Christen Press scored a smart left-footed finish to make it 3-0.

Here were the starting line-ups for both sides.

Next up for the USWNT is its World Cup opener against Thailand on June 11. The Americans leave on Monday for London, England before setting up camp in France. 

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Luis Miguel Echegaray
LUIS MIGUEL ECHEGARAY

Luis Miguel Echegaray is a reporter, producer and head of Latino/Spanish content with Sports Illustrated. He is also an adjunct professor at CUNY Graduate School of Journalism.

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