The U.S. women have completed goal No. 1 from the CONCACAF W Championship: secure a 2023 Women's World Cup berth.
Now comes the next step, which is to finish the group stage in style and earn the top spot in Group A. That would set the team up nicely to push for a CONCACAF W Championship title, which earns a 2024 Summer Olympics place in the process.
To do that, they'll have to go through host Mexico, which has disappointed thus far through the early stage of the tournament, losing twice in two matches, leaving the nation already eliminated from knockout stage contention. Still, the hosts will be motivated to give the home fans something to cheer for, and a scalp of the top-ranked team in the world would do nicely in that regard.
Mexico has struggled in the attack, failing to score in either of its opening two matches against Haiti or Jamaica despite a majority of possession and shots. The side managed just two shots on target amidst 14 total attempts against Haiti last time out, holding 72 percent possession but failing to generate many meaningful chances.
MORE: USWNT dominates Jamaica 5-0 in much-improved showing
How to watch USWNT vs. Mexico
- Date: Monday, July 11
- Time: 10 p.m. ET
- TV channel: None
- Streaming: Paramount+, ViX
The USWNT’s final match in Group A of the CONCACAF W Championship from the Estadio Universitario in Monterrey will be streamed exclusively on CBS platform Paramount+. Univision streaming service ViX will also carry the match for Spanish-language audiences.
tag your current vibe 👇 pic.twitter.com/k3YDGUEBQk
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) July 9, 2022
MORE: Standings, results, highlights from CONCACAF W Championship
USWNT vs. Mexico projected lineups
In his pre-match press conference, head coach Vlatko Andonovski said there will likely be changes to the starting lineup against Mexico, but did not go into specifics. Both Casey Murphy and Alyssa Naeher have earned starts in goal this tournament, but Andonovski has strongly hinted that Naeher is his regular No. 1 starter moving forward, and with the knockout stage coming up, he will want to get her entrenched in the role with more minutes.
Andonovski made a change at center-back for the Jamaica game, and called-on rookie Naomi Girma was excellent when given the opportunity. It has given the USWNT head man something to think about as he looks to transition from 37-year-old captain Becky Sauerbrunn, who was shaky at times in the opener against Haiti. Still, Andonovski has verbally backed Sauerbrunn when given the chance, and it's still unclear who has the inside track to a more consistent role in bigger matches.
Ashley Hatch played well against Jamaica, but it would be surprising to see Alex Morgan sit for a second straight match, and Megan Rapinoe could also be given a chance after returning from her trip to the White House. In midfield, Kristie Mewis has made two substitute appearances but could get a look against Mexico, while Rose Lavelle or Lindsey Horan could see their minutes managed.
USA projected starting lineup (4-3-3): Naeher (GK) — O'Hara, Cook, Sauerbrunn, Fox — Mewis, Sanchez, Lavelle — Pugh, Morgan, Smith.
MORE: Sophia Smith shows glimpse of potential stardom in glittering display against Jamaica
The Mexico attack has been anemic this tournament, but there's little else head coach Monica Vergara can do. After Diana Ordonez and Stephany Mayor came up empty against Jamaica, Vergara moved Mayor back to midfield and called on Diana Garcia and Katty Martinez up front, only for them to fire blanks as well. Meanwhlie, Alicia Cervantes and Joseline Montoya have each come off the bench twice to little effect.
Along the back, defender Rebeca Bernal, who started each of the last two matches, has withdrawn from the squad due to injury, meaning either Cristina Ferral or Casandra Montero will start in her place. Greta Espinoza was sent off last time out against Haiti, meaning she will be unavailable for that role due to suspension.
There's a choice for Vergara to make at left-back as well, with Jimena Lopez and Bianca Sierra each called upon once thus far in the tournament.
Mexico projected starting lineup (4-4-2): Alvarado (GK) — Sierra, Montero, Ferral, Robles — Sanchez, Delgado, Mayor, Delgadillo — Ordonez, Martinez.
Tarde de entrenamiento.🏃♀️#TuCanchaLaEligesTú I #HechoDeLosMexicanos pic.twitter.com/SzE2KEIKA3
— Selección Nacional de México Femenil (@Miseleccionfem) July 9, 2022
USWNT vs. Mexico betting odds & lines
After succeeding as -475 favorites against Jamaica, the United States women continue as heavy favorites against a struggling Mexico side.
It's understood that Mexico struggles to score, as the heavy spread in favor of the U.S. is coupled with a heavy swing towards both teams not to score. Despite that, 4.5 goals is the mark to beat, and the United States will look to hit that on its own to push towards the knockout stage in dominant style.
| DraftKings | |
|---|---|
| USA Win | -4000 |
| Draw | +1400 |
| Mexico Win | +2500 |
| Both teams to score Y / N | +170 / -250 |
| Over / Under 4.5 goals | -110 / -120 |
| USA -3.5 | +100 |
| Mexico +3.5 | -135 |
