U.S. soccer women ready for rematch
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VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- It's payback time for the U.S. women's soccer team.
The Americans face Mexico today in the CONCACAF qualifying tournament for the London Olympics. A win or a draw will give the U.S. team first place in its group ahead of the all-important semifinals.
But this is also a chance to even a score from 14 months ago. It was in November 2010 that Mexico beat USA, 2-1, in World Cup qualifying, the only loss the Americans have suffered in a qualifier for the World Cup or the Olympics.
Defender Heather Mitts remembers that game as "a real wake-up call" and "the revenge factor" does play a part as the Americans prepare for the rematch.
"It was awful," Mitts said. "We definitely weren't prepared. We weren't prepared, and they came out and they played great against us."
"That's obviously the game that's been marked on our calendars this entire tournament," forward Abby Wambach said.
It appears the Americans are ready for the rematch.
Wambach scored twice in the first half to move into third on the career goals list for women's international soccer as the United States routed Guatemala, 13-0, Sunday to clinch a berth in the semifinals.
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NOTE -- U.S. defender Ali Krieger said she's not giving up hope that she can play in the Olympics. Krieger spoke to reporters for the first time since the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in her right knee were torn Friday in at match against the Dominican Republic. Krieger flew home Monday so she can have her surgery as soon as possible. Her rehabilitation time is expected to be six to eight months.
First Published January 24, 2012 12:00 am
