The USA's Alex Morgan (#13) tries to control the ball in an international friendly against Mexico on September 18, 2014, at Sahlen's Stadium, in Rochester, New York. (Photo: isiphotos.com/BradSmith)
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – In its final tune-up prior to Women’s World Cup qualifying, the United States extended its unbeaten streak at home to 87 games by capping a two-game sweep of Mexico with a 4-0 victory at Sahlen's Stadium on Thursday.
Amy Rodriguez, Megan Rapinoe, Tobin Heath and Alex Morgan scored a goal each as they prepare for the 2014 CONCACAF Women's Championship, which will be played in four cities across the U.S. next month.
The Americans, who won the series opener 8-0 on Saturday, posted their fifth successive shutout against Mexico, outscoring their southern neighbor 24-0 over that stretch.
The host struck in the ninth minute to take a 1-0 lead. Mexico midfielder Stephany Mayor had a difficult time settling the ball, ceding possession to Rapinoe, who poked forward toward the box. Rodriguez was there to chip goalkeeper Cecilia Santiago from 16-yards out.
In the 37th minute, a quick restart by Rapinoe to Meghan Klingenberg caught the defense off guard. Klingenberg crossed from the right side, as Mexico's Monica Alvarado attempted to head the ball away. Rapinoe’s resulting strike was partially deflected by Alvarado, but still went into the net.
Seven minutes later, Heath gave the U.S. a 3-0 advantage. Rapinoe played a through ball that took a slight deflection off of Rodriguez, split the Mexico defense and led Heath in stride. Her shot went past Santiago's left shoulder into the goal.
Morgan closed out the scoring with her 49th international goal in the 79th minute. Heather O'Reilly crossed to the left side of the box where Morgan, Abby Wambach and Christen Press were within a couple feet of each other as potential targets. Morgan ended up being the recipient and she headed home.
Qualifying for Canada 2015 starts for the Americans on October 15 against Trinidad & Tobago at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kansas, while the Mexicans will meet Costa Rica in the same venue a day later.
