Match preview and schedule: USA vs Mexico, Olympic qualifying

The United States Women’s National Team have completed the group stage of the 2020 CONCACF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship, and the scene shifts to Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California for Friday’s semifinal against Mexico. The winner of that match will punch their ticket to Tokyo, Japan and the 2020 Olympics. The loser will not be in Tokyo, falling short of the goal.

The USWNT have not allowed a goal so far in Olympic qualifying, scoring 18 goals in Group A play. After struggling a bit in their opening match against Haiti, the USWNT has settled in and dominated Panama and Costa Rica on their way to the semifinals. For Mexico, they’re here after beating St. Kitts and Nevis as well as Jamaica, but their loss Tuesday to Canada meant they finished 2nd in Group B and will have to go through the Americans to get to Tokyo.

Mexico Roster

GOALKEEPERS (3): 1 - Cecelia Santiago (PSV Eindhoven), 12 - Emily Alvarado (TCU Horned Frogs), 20 - Itzel González (Tijuana)

DEFENDERS (6): 2 - Kenti Robles (Atlético Madrid), 3 Janelly Farías (Guadalajara), 4 - Jocelyn Orejel (Tijuana), 5 - Jimena López (Texas A&M Aggies), 13 - Bianca Sierra (UANL), 15 - Mariana Cadena (Monterrey)

MIDFIELDERS (7): 6 - Rebeca Bernal (Monterrey), 10 - Stephany Mayor (UANL), 11 - Lizbeth Ovalle (UANL), 16 - Karla Nieto (Pachuca), 17 - Diana Evangelista (Monterrey), 18 - Liliana Mercado (UANL), 19 - Maria Sánchez (Guadalajara)

FORWARDS (4): 7 - Daniela Espinosa (América), 8 - Kiana Palacios (Real Sociedad), 9 - Renae Cuéllar (Tijuana), 14 - Adriana Iturbide (Atlas)

Predicted USWNT lineup

USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski will likely go back to a similar lineup that he had to open the group stage against Haiti:

Andonovski clearly has several options at every position. Lindsay Horan could very well get the start in the midfield alongside Julie Ertz and Rose Lavelle, but Andi Sullivan could also factor as well. Up front, Tobin Heath could get a shot, but Lynn Williams, Carli Lloyd, and Christen Press have thoroughly destroyed every team they’ve faced. It’s likely they will get another chance to do just that.

Time, TV, and streaming options

USA vs. Mexico

Friday, February 7, 2020

10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT

FS1, TUDN

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