U.S. in Olympic qualifying semi
FRISCO, TEXAS — Carli Lloyd’s goal sent the U.S. women into a CONCACAF Olympic qualifying semifinal.
Lloyd scored off a rebound on her penalty kick to give the United States a 1-0 victory over Mexico Saturday.
Her penalty shot followed a Mexico hand ball in the penalty area called against substitute Karla Nieto by referee Melissa Borjas of Honduras. The shot went to the middle of the net and was blocked by goalkeeper Cecil ia Santiago. Lloyd then buried there bound, with Santiago still on the ground, for her 84th career goal.
“I guess you can’t make all of them all of the time,” Lloyd said. “Luckily, the rebound came right back to me and there was no hesitation and just put it in the back of the net.”
The ball struck Nieto after a U.S. cross was trapped by Alex Morgan.
“You have to live with those things,” Mexico coach Leonardo Cuellar said. “The referees have a very short time to make a decision.”
Morgan said she didn’t see the infraction.
“I was looking more at getting the ball from my chest and taking the shot. I was a little confused when she called the PK.”
The winners of the semifinals — set for Houston Feb. 19 — qualify for the Rio Olympics.
The Americans will end group play Monday against Puerto Rico trying to win Group A. The other match Monday between Mexico and Costa Rica will determine the group’s other semifinalist. Costa Rica won the opener Saturday, beating Puerto Rico 9-0.
“That’s the No. 1 priority, to get three points and finish top of the group,” U.S. coach Jill Ellis said, “but at the same time, knowing that we’re in the semis, is making sure we’re smart with certain players’ loads.”
In Group B, Canada plays its second match of the tournament Sunday against Trinidad and Tobago and faces Guatemala Tuesday.
The U.S. remained unbeaten in CONCACAF qualifying play at 15-0-1, having scored 81 goals and allowing four.
Mexico nearly tied the score in the 87th minute when Monica Ocampo’s leftfooted shot from outside the 18-yard box was batted over the crossbar by Hope Solo to preserve her 93rd career shutout.
The tournament is the Americans’ first competitive play since winning last summer’s World Cup in Canada. They have won three straight Olympic titles and four of the five in women’s soccer.