A second-string US women’s soccer team not only did not disappoint in their Group A finale in CONCACAF qualifying for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, they delivered a record performance.
Crystal Dunn, one of only three regulars to start, tied a national team record with five goals as the US routed Puerto Rico 10-0 on Monday to win the group.
“I’d like to think this is a special moment, but I’d love to think there’s more to come,” said Dunn, who could not recall another five-goal game during her entire career.
Photo: Jerome Miron-USA Today
“Crystal worked real hard tonight,” US coach Jill Ellis said. “She was in a good position in central — I think that’s probably her most comfortable position. Obviously, got a lot of service from her teammates. It’s tremendous for her and for her confidence.”
The top-ranked US scored three times within 1 minute, 56 seconds in the second half and outshot Puerto Rico 32-1.
The US can clinch one of the 12 slots in Brazil with a win in their CONCACAF semi-final on Friday in Houston, Texas. They face the runners-up of Group B, with Canada expected to win that group and Guyana or Trinidad and Tobago finish second.
Photo: AFP
The US remain unbeaten in all-time CONCACAF qualifying with a 16-0-1 record, having scored 91 goals and let in just four.
The tournament is the team’s first competitive matches since winning last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada. They have won three straight Olympic titles and four of the five that have been staged.
Group A’s other semi-finalist are Costa Rica, who edged Mexico 2-1 in the first game at Toyota Stadium on Monday.
Dunn’s goals came in the sixth, 21st, 62nd, 85th and 87th minutes. She had five career goals going into the game and became the seventh US woman to score five in a match.
The other five goals came from Carli Lloyd (penalty), Kelley O’Hara, Christen Press, Samantha Mewis and an own-goal.
Ellis’ opening lineup included eight players who did not start either of the two previous group games and only five players who appeared in last year’s World Cup. The lineup was drastically changed since the team had already clinched a semi-final spot and were playing for the third time in five days against opponents ranked 108th.
Alex Morgan played only the second half as a substitute for Lloyd. Goalkeeper Hope Solo was among the regular starters rested.
The newcomers including Mallory Pugh, 17, the youngest US woman to start a qualifying match. Pugh assisted on Dunn’s first goal and was tripped in the 18th minute, leading to Lloyd’s penalty success.
“As the game kind of went on, I kind of got more comfortable with the ball,” Pugh said. “I think that the fact that my teammates around me are so positive, that helps.”
“This squad that we started today was obviously young,” Dunn said. “I think it was really great for everyone to get some time today.”
Alyssa Naeher earned the shutout, the third of her career, in her first CONCACAF qualifying appearance.
It was Lloyd’s 85th career international goal and the 11th in Olympic qualifying, three off Abby Wambach’s US record.
O’Hara’s scored with a back-heel in the 45th minute off a cross from Stephanie McCaffrey.
Puerto Rico were making their first appearance in the CONCACAF qualifying tournament and had never previously faced the US at senior level. They were outscored 25-0 in their three matches.
The US squad features only 13 of the 20 players who were at the World Cup. Christie Rampone and Megan Rapinoe are injured, while Amy Rodriguez and Sydney Leroux are pregnant and are to miss the Olympic Games.
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