In the biggest upset in U.S. Women’s National Team history, the U.S. lost, 2-1, to Mexico in the semifinals of the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers Friday night in Cancún. Maribel Domínguez scored in the third minute to put Mexico ahead, 1-0. The U.S. equalized in the 25th minute on a goal from Carli Lloyd before Verónica Pérez scored the game-winner in the 27th minute. It was only the second loss under Head Coach Pia Sundhage. The U.S. was 31-0-4 in its last 35 games and 21-0-0 in World Cup qualifiers until yesterday’s loss.
In the other semifinal Friday, Canada qualified for the World Cup with its 4-0 win over Costa Rica. Christine Sinclair, Jonelle Filigno, and Josee Belanger scored for Canada, which got its fourth goal on an own goal by Daniela Cruz. Canada plays Mexico in the finals Monday, and the U.S. now must beat Costa Rica in the third-place match on Monday and then beat Italy in the CONCACAF/UEFA playoff later this month to qualify for the World Cup.
In the CONMEBOL qualifiers, Aline scored two goals, and Christiane and Renata scored once each as Brazil beat Venezuela, 4-0. In the other Group B match Friday, Colombia beat Paraguay, 3-0, on goals from Paolo Dominguez, Maria Uzme, and Yoreli Rincón.