USWNT vs. Mexico: What To Watch For

Well it’s finally here. The World Cup is on the horizon and before the United States Women’s National Team heads off to France they’ve got themselves one more match to get them in the zone for the upcoming tournament. What better way than to do that by facing off against one of the many CONCACAF teams you wrecked in Qualifiers?

The U.S. will take on Mexico in their final match in a series of send off matches, the previous having been against South Africa and New Zealand, two teams that are also heading to France this summer. Both of those matches ended in 3-0 and 5-0 score lines, so the sky is truly the limit against Mexico on Sunday!

Along with a final run of minutes, the team will likely be using this match as a bit of a confidence booster for their ideal starting eleven. Not that confidence is an issue for this squad, but it’s going to feel pretty great heading into the World Cup having beaten your last few opponents by multiple goals.

Projected Starting XI

Head Coach Jill Ellis has been rolling out her choice lineups during these sendoff friendlies, and we can likely expect the same with planned subs in place for a chance to get some final minutes before France. Could the see the younger players like Tierna Davidson and Mal Pugh get into a match like this.

Scouting Mexico

Last time these two teams faced off against each other it was during CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers. USA completely dominated the match scoring early in the 3rd minute as the eventual route ended in a 6-0 scoreline. Mexico’s midfield was eviscerated for much of that match, and ultimately, the rest of the tournament. So who will be the player to watch now?

Much of Mexico’s roster that was called into camps for a string of friendlies including this sendoff have been tied to Liga MX Femenil with new, young, up and coming talent - like forward Katty Martinez Abad and midfielder Jacqueline Ovalle of Tigres Femenil. Most of Mexico’s heavy-hitters - Charlyn Corral, Stefany Mayor, Bianca Sierra, Katie Johnson, and Maria Sanchez - are still with their clubs for this match.

Watch out for longtime Goalkeeper Cecilia Santiago, who recently made the move from Liga MX Femenil’s Club America to PSV Eindhoven. Santiago might be spun a bit this match, but look for her to organize her backline, including a promising center back in Rebeca Bernal of Monterrey.