After missing a penalty, Carli Lloyd rebound goal gave her side a narrow 1-0 victory over Mexico.
FRISCO, Texas -- United States women's national team captain and reigning FIFA Women's World Player of the Year Carli Lloyd collected a rebound off her penalty kick that had been blocked by Mexico goalkeeper Cecilia Santiago, and knocked in the game-winner in the 80th minute.
It was a huge sigh of relief for Lloyd and the U.S., who will advance to the semifinals of this CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Championship after their 1-0 win over El Tri at Toyota Stadium. But it was close, as the high-flying start to this Olympic qualifying effort hit a speed bump against Mexico, who will now battle Costa Rica for the second-place finish in Group A play and the right to play in the semifinals, too.