In a historic upset, Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over the United States in the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup, marking only the second time Mexico has triumphed over its rival. Goals from Lizbeth Ovalle and Mayra Pelayo secured the historic win for Mexico, dealing the U.S. team its first loss under interim coach Twila Kilgore.
Mexico
The United States entered the match with an impressive 40-1-1 record against Mexico, with its only previous loss occurring in a 2-1 decision during Women’s World Cup qualifying in 2010. This defeat adds a significant chapter to the intense rivalry between the two teams.
The first goal came in the 28th minute when Lizbeth Ovalle, who plays for Tigres, capitalized on a defensive error by U.S. defender Becky Sauerbrunn. Sauerbrunn’s attempt to defend Ovalle resulted in an inadvertent kick right at her, allowing Ovalle to elegantly float a shot over goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and two U.S. defenders into the net. Notably, this marked the first goal conceded by the U.S. to a CONCACAF opponent in 33 matches.
Despite the setback, Mexico couldn’t extend their lead before halftime, as Karla Nieto’s shot from a distance hit the crossbar. Kiana Palacios also had an opportunity to score for Mexico, but her shot was deflected by U.S. defender Abby Dahlkemper.
Mayra Pelayo sealed the victory for Mexico in stoppage time with a goal from a distance, prompting jubilant celebrations from the Mexican players on the field. This historic win not only ends the U.S. team’s impressive record against Mexico but also marks the first loss for interim coach Twila Kilgore, who took over after the team’s dramatic exit from the Women’s World Cup in the round of 16 last summer.
Mexico, despite failing to qualify for the previous year’s World Cup, topped Group A in the Gold Cup, while the United States finished second. Both teams advanced to the knockout round, and Mexico’s triumph over the U.S. has undoubtedly added a new dimension to the competition.
The U.S. team, which had seen success from its teenagers in the earlier matches of the tournament, with Olivia Moultrie and Jaedyn Shaw making significant contributions, faced a formidable challenge from the Mexican side. The Women’s Gold Cup, designed to provide more competitive matches for women’s teams in the CONCACAF region, has proven to be an arena for unexpected outcomes and heightened competition.
In other Group A action, Argentina secured a 3-0 victory over the Dominican Republic earlier on the same day. As the tournament progresses, Mexico’s historic win over the United States is sure to be a defining moment, underscoring the unpredictable nature of women’s football in the CONCACAF region.
