Sophia Smith scored in the 64th minute and the United States took revenge for its loss to Mexico earlier this year with a 1-0 victory in Saturday’s rematch.
The friendly at the Red Bull Arena was the first of two preparatory matches for the United States for the 2024 Olympic Games. The Americans play Costa Rica on Tuesday at Audi Field in Washington before traveling to France.
Mexico defeated the United States for the second time ever at the Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup in late February. Lizbeth Ovalle and Mayra Pelayo scored in a 2-0 victory for Mexico.
On Saturday, the United States had the better chances of the first half but couldn’t break through. Smith, Lindsey Horan and Sam Coffey all tried their hand at the Mexico goal in the scrimmage before halftime but couldn’t score.
But in the second half, Trinity Rodman passed to Mallory Swanson, who looked set to shoot but instead threw the ball to Smith for her 20th career goal. Smith nearly had a second goal in the 73rd minute, but her effort hit the near post.
Tim Nwachukwu/USSF/Getty Images for USSF
“We have such dynamic players up front, I think we can create in so many ways. I should have put a few more in the first place, and I hold myself to a higher standard than that,” Smith said. “I think me and we want more, we can definitely put more in, but it shows the different ways we create and work together.”
The United States has not conceded a single goal in three games under new coach Emma Hayes.
The game celebrated the 25th anniversary of “The 99ers”, the team that won the Women’s World Cup at the Rose Bowl in 1999. It was the first time that all 20 players from the team were reunited.
Alyssa Naeher, the U.S. captain for Saturday’s game, was honored on the field for her 100th appearance with the national team. She earned the cap in March.
“It just means a lot to me,” Naeher said. “I’ve been in this scene for a long time and I think even this weekend with the 99ers here, and having played with some of those guys, and now having the opportunity to play with the next generation, is something really cool and special for me.”
Lynn Williams entered the game in the 75th minute. Williams was originally one of four substitutes for the 18-player U.S. Olympic squad, but forward Catarina Macario is unable to play in France because of a knee injury. Hayes announced Friday that Williams would replace Macario.
Croix Bethune made her United States debut in the 81st minute.