The NWSL #1 Draft Pick, Sophia Smith just got her minute #1 in this, the 2nd to last game of these all important games as the US clinched a spot in the World Cup. There will not be a consolation game, so the next for the US is the last of the tourney as they will face the winner of Mexico & Haiti Sunday at 1p.m. ET.
Brianna Pinto who plays for NC and her father was a standout player for Brentwoood, had another great game as did Trinity Rodman, the daughter of Dennis, she had a pair of assists and goals. Mia Fishel in the meantime has been on fire, tying the G.O.A.T., Michelle Akers in strking for her 11 goals in Concacaf World Cup Qualifying set back in 1991, more than a decade before Mia was born. In less than 4 minutes, Pinto had a pair and there was no looking back after that hot start. The team has now made it to double digits in World Cups at this level. Fishel passed the record holders at the U-19's at 9, Kelly WIlson & Kerrri Hanks, in just 3 games. Should she pass Akers, although it took Mia more games, the title is hers. The host nation of Dominican Republic had gotten to their furthest point ever in a Concacaf tourney.
HC Laura Harvey made 7 changes to the starting 11, a remarkable number from that of the game with DR earlier, inserting Rodman, an inspried choice as she had a hand in the first 3 goals, assisting on both of those from Pinto while netting her own, she would then close out the scoring with her brace. Pinto now has 9 tying for 2nd highest US total ever in such games. A lopsided 22-3 shot advantage showed up of course in the scoring as Claudia Dickey garnered the shutout her 4th of the games as the US remains unscored upon. This tied her with Katelyn Rowland for tops in that category in the U-20's Concacaf Olympic Qualifying.
Kwik Kixx:
-20 goals between Pinto & Fishel is tops of any duo in this tourney.
-9 goals of Pinto are good for 3rd overall in these games, behind Mia & Melchie Dumorany with a bakers dozen.
-Sophia Smith did see the field for all of 27' and was off again due to injury as was Samantha Meza in the 2nd half.
-11 goals scorers for the US, 14 have dished out assists.
-34 shoutouts now for the US in these games and 22 times over they have hit for 5 or more goals.