USA could not land a victory in their first game ever at the top international sphere but will keep on fighting in El Salvador
Mexico take the win in USA’s international debut
Mexico did not let USA get the result they were willing for in the international debut of the Women’s National Team. The Azteca side ended up seizing the points in a thrilling and balanced battle, thanks to Cruz’s hit with just one minute to go.
A “clasico” between USA and Mexico is always a “clasico”, no matter the sport or the surface. And that could be felt in the beginning of a game that was a historic moment for USA’s beach soccer itself: the first ever international match of their Women’s National Team.
That seemed not to add weight on the Stars and Stripes’ shoulders, as it was Eddie Soto’s team the one looking ahead more intensely, only to find, though, Esli Sánchez’s opener for Mexico.
The Mexican advantage lasted for a whole period, until Captain Meghan Wharton equalized with a long-range missile.
The fight continued to be as fiercely contested as the very beginning, with goal chances on both ends. As minutes ticked down, it was clear that one detail could decide the game. And so it was, when Cristina Cruz bagged the winner for La Tri.
Goals: 1-0: Esli Sánchez, min. 10 (1); 1-1 Wharton, min. 10 (2); 2-1: Cruz, min. 3 (3)
Brilliant win in El Salvador’s first ever game
El Salvador Women’s National Team found a brilliant way to write the first chapter of their history, with a win against Bahamas in the opening of this World Beach Games Qualifier they are hosting.
The Salvadoran side knew how to resist Bahamas’ first attempts and wait for their moment to give the more than 4000 souls in the stands what they had came for.
MacCarthy took the leading voice for the Bahamian side during the first stage of the game, with two goals that managed to sweep Bahamas ahead on two occasions. The Cuscatlecas immediately replied, though, leaving things 2 apiece by the end of the first period.
The second period became the turning point for El Salvador, who used a 3-0 run to seize the game’s control and walk firmly to the win, as Fatima would confirm with the sixth of her team as soon as the third period unfolded.
With three points in the first game, El Salvador will now look to upset the USA, another debutant at the international top sphere, to keep fighting for the only berth for the World Beach Games at stake.
Goals: 1-0: McCarthy, min. 8 (1); 1-1: Carolina, min. 8 (1); 2-1: McCarthy, min. 7 (1); 2-2: Cindy, min. 1 (1); 2-3: Lisseth, min. 9 (2); 2-4: Carolina, min. 5(2); 2-5: Christabelle (og), min. 3 (2); 2-6: Fatima, min. 10 (3); 3-6: Wert, min. 2(3)
For complete results, stats and standings, click here.
