Three days after Mexico upset The U.S. Women's National Team in the semifinals of the CONCACAF Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament, The U.S. was back in Cancun to take on Costa Rica in the Third Place match. A win would keep their World Cup dreams alive and require a Win in a Two-Leg Playoff With Italy in order to earn a spot in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Sounds like a peice of cake for the U.S. (The #1 Team in the World) but it was supposed to be a piece of cake against Mexico and that didn't turn out too well. Motivated to get out of this relatively small hole they dug themselves into they started Monday nights game strong.
Lauren Cheney opened up the scoring in the 17th minute with a shot from the top of the 18 that was deflected first right then left by the Costa Rican defense before rolling into the goal. Abby Wambach added a second 16 minutes later. Costa Rica's best scoring chance came in the 50th minute when Monica Malvassi hit the left post on a breakaway. A few seconds later Abby Wambach scored her second goal of night guaranteeing victory for the U.S.
The U.S. Women's National Team Will face Italy in Padova on November 20th and at Toyota Park on November 27th With Aggregate Goals Deciding Final Berth to 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup will take place from June 26-July 17 in Germany.
