The United States women’s national team did exactly what was expected of them on Thursday night in Cancun with an easy 5-0 win over Haiti in the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup and World Cup qualifying. Abby Wambach netted a hat trick, Rachel Buehler scored her first career goal in a USWNT shirt, and Kristine Lilly made her 350th career appearance, but despite the milestones, it was business as usual.
United States 5-0 Haiti: Full-Time Wrap
Three of the five goals came on set pieces, with Yael Averbuch and Carli Lloyd providing great deliveries from dead balls. Lloyd was also particularly impressive with her passing and creativity from open play, an encouraging sign after lackluster performances in the friendly matches against China. Lloyd assisted on the fourth goal of the night, Wambach’s second, and helped set Kristine Lilly up for the cross that led to the fifth goal of the night, Wambach’s third.
The other goal of the night came via Amy Rodriguez, who tapped in an easy goal off of a corner kick by Averbuch and a header by Wambach. Rodriguez was largely disappointing on the night, but her goal could prove to be a confidence boost going forward.
The United States’ next game takes place in two days against Guatemala. That Guatemala team lost in disappointing fashion tonight against Costa Rica, derailing their hopes of qualifying for the 2011 World Cup. The United States will be heavily favored in that match, but it shouldn’t be quite as easy as tonight’s match against Haiti.
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