October 11 – Panama broke Mexican hearts with a 2-0 win in the Concacaf Women’s Championship, dashing Mexico’s hopes of qualifying for a third consecutive women’s World Cup. The United States hammered Trinidad and Tobago, consolidating their position of supremacy in the region.
Karla Riley and Lineth Cedeno scored for Panama in North Carolina to secure a 2-0 win and second place in Group A behind world champions the US, who demolished Trinidad and Tobago 7-0.
The Mexicans had beaten Panama in their previous five meetings, but that counted for little as they struggled to break open Panama’s rearguard and met a formidable goalkeeper in 17-year-old Yenith Bailey. The result eliminated Mexico from the semi-finals where the four remaining contenders will compete for three direct tickets to France, the top three, and a play-off berth against Argentina.
In 2015 Mexico finished bottom of group F at the Women’s World Cup in Canada. The group contained England, France and Colombia and the Mexicans secured a 1-1 draw in their opening game against the South Americans. The result was a setback from the 2011 World Cup in Germany where Mexico had finished third of Group B on two points following draw with England and New Zealand and a defeat to Japan.
The US, the world champions and power house in the region, trashed Trinidad and Tobago, putting seven past the island nation. Both Alex Morgan and Rose Lavelle scored twice. The American netted 18 goals in the group stages and will seek to play higher-ranked opposition in friendlies before the World Cup.
On Thursday Group B will conclude with a double header. On six points Canada are in pole position. Jamaica and Costa Rica have three points, while Cuba are bottom without a point. The Canadians will take on Costa Rica as Jamaica face Cuba. The winners of Group B will play Panama and avoid the United States in the semi-finals.
Contact the writer of this story Samindra Kunti at moc.l1713545522labto1713545522ofdlr1713545522owedi1713545522sni@o1713545522fni1713545522