In an unexpected turn of events at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, the Mexico women’s soccer team delivered a stunning performance, defeating the U.S. women’s national team (USWNT) 2-0 in a group stage match of the Concacaf W Gold Cup. This remarkable victory marks only the second time Mexico has triumphed over the USWNT in their 43 encounters and is the first loss for the US on home ground against Concacaf opponents in over two decades, ending an 80-game unbeaten run.
The match’s pivotal moment came in the 38th minute when Mexico’s Lizbeth Ovalle capitalized on a defensive error to score the opening goal, making history by ending the USWNT’s 33-match streak without conceding a goal to a Concacaf team. Despite a late opportunity by Trinity Rodman to level the score, the USWNT couldn’t find the back of the net, and Mayra Pelayo sealed Mexico’s victory with a spectacular long-range goal in stoppage time.
USWNT forward Alex Morgan reflected on the evolving competitive landscape within Concacaf, acknowledging the global improvement in women’s soccer and Mexico’s contribution to this progress. The match also marked the end of interim coach Twila Kilgore’s tenure, with Emma Hayes set to assume the role in the spring.
Despite both teams having already secured their spots in the quarterfinals, Mexico’s win reshuffles the group dynamics, with Mexico leading Group A and the USWNT finishing second. This game, beyond its immediate implications, signifies a shift in Concacaf’s competitive balance and heralds a new era in women’s soccer.