Sophia Smith cracker lifts USA women over Mexico in pre-Olympic friendly

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.

The United States had the better chances in the first half, but could not break through. Smith, Lindsey Horan and Sam Coffey all tried to scrimmage in front of the Mexico goal before the half was over, but could not 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, but her effort hit the near post.

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 in the Rose Bowl in 1999. It was the first time that all 20 players of the team were reunited.

Alyssa Naeher, the U.S. captain for the game, was honored on the field for her 100th appearance with the national team. She earned the cap in March.

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 knee irritation. Hayes announced the change on Friday.

Croix Bethune made her United States debut in the 81st minute.