US Women's Soccer: United States, Mexico Set Up for Battle in Olympic Qualifier

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With the 13-0 destruction of Guatemala on Sunday evening, the United States ran its goal differential to plus-27 for the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament following its 14-0 scoreline over the outmatched Dominican Republic.

The match against Mexico is a rematch of the 2010 Gold Cup semifinals in which Mexico came away with an unexpected 2-1 victory, forcing the United States to qualify for the 2011 World Cup by playing a home-and-away series against Italy.

Here are four thoughts leading up to the game.

Can Kelley O’Hara Adequately Replace Ali Krieger at Outside Back?

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With a roster limited to 20 players, US manager Pia Sundhage made a brave decision to roster seldom-used forward Kelley O’Hara as a defender while leaving veteran defender Stephanie Cox at home.

With the knee injury to World Cup stalwart Ali Krieger on Thursday, the risk of that decision became a little more evident.

To be fair, O’Hara looked outstanding in her debut at left back against Guatemala, providing gorgeous left-footed service into the box as she assisted on three separate goals.

However, O’Hara was not worked at all defensively, and Mexico will be set to give the US back line a stern test.

Becky Sauerbrunn or Amy LePeilbet Should Be Used in Place of Heather Mitts

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Heather Mitts—the replacement for Ali Krieger when Krieger was injured in the US’s first game against the Dominican Republic—has now had two below-average performances despite the fact that the US has played two very weak teams.

Mitts' possession and decision-making has been poor and could be a real liability against Mexico.

The Future Is Unbelievably Bright

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In addition to having Alex Morgan—a superstar-to-be in her own right—waiting in the wings for the United States, American fans were treated to another future superstar in Sydney Leroux.

Leroux, coming in at halftime nonetheless, finished the night with five goals. Her combination of pace, strength and finishing ability is terrifying.

Wow, the US Is Deep

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Starting six new faces Sunday night, the US looked as strong as ever. Furthermore, each player on the US roster brings a little something different to the fold, making it very difficult for opponents to create a game plan.

In addition, almost every player on the US roster has gotten at least one half of rest over the last two games, resulting in the team being very fresh for its third game in five days, tomorrow.

Look out, Mexico.

 

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